PurrView #36 - The Cigar Box Guitar

(Photo by Shane Speal)

The Cigar Box Guitar-- Though its production and ownership are certainly not very common, its timeless sound and method of production hold a solid, fascinating place in the history of American guitar music. Since tradesmen in the mid-1800s started packaging and selling cigars in smaller boxes, Americans have been transforming them into musical instruments, for a classic, resonant sound that elicits that soulful, velvety feeling we get from hearing and playing the blues and rock.

(Photo borrowed from Hard Luck Blues CBGs)

In both acoustic and electric form, the CBG has been conjured up and played in the hands of Civil War soldiers, poor hillbillies, early boy scouts, Grand Ole Opry performers, and rock 'n roll enthusiasts alike. Bob Cianci of PremierGuitar.com really put into perspective the omnipresence and impact of CBGs in guitar history when he stated that, "There's one thing Muddy Waters, Son House, Bukka White, Mississippi Fred McDowell, Jimi Hendrix, and many others had in common: they started playing on homemade cigar box guitars, fashioned with materials that were readily available in their humble circumstances" (Cianci, 2009).

(Here's a cigar box I picked up at a garage sale)

I recently had a chance to sit down with a talented CBG craftsman (not in Tennessee or Alabama, but) right here in good ol' Las Vegas. James Berg, affectionately known in the Vegas local music scene as "Fuzz" (of Black Camaro), has embraced the beauty and timeless soul of the Cigar Box Guitar. Berg reported that he devotes a total of about 40 hours into building one CBG, and spoke of the early producers of CBGs sitting on their porches in the Appalachian foothills, fashioning chordophones out of their meager amounts of musical materials. As inspiration in his passion for the Cigar Box Guitar, Berg extols notable names in the movement like John "Red Dog" McNair. And though he is not a CBG builder, Berg states of Zach Daniels (formerly of Denver act Oakhurst) that he is a "bad ass banjo player that I built one for."

Check out some of Berg's craftsmanship displayed directly below.

To inquire on Berg's CBGs and how to get one of your own, contact him at fuzz1cool@yahoo.com

There is a rather tight community of CBG enthusiasts, which many would say is spearheaded by the self-proclaimed "King of the Cigar Box Guitar," Shane Speal. Though not understood or appreciated by all; the beauty, reputation, and musical impact of the CBG continues to be held in the hearts and hands of guitarists far and wide. Experiencing a cigar box guitar is like taking a taste of intricacy, simplicity, and soul all in one sip.

~Meow~

Pennies

For more on the Cigar Box Guitar, check out the below:

Back Porch Mojo on the CBG

Mike Snowden, Marietta, GA ---> http://snowdenguitars.com/

Delbarjo, "On the Road Again with CBG"

Reference

Cianci, B. (August 2009). Cigar box nation: The modern cult of the cigar box guitar. http://www.premierguitar.com/. Retrieved 12/30/11, http://content.bandzoogle.com/users/ShaneSpeal/files/CigBoxNat-Final-Layout.pdf .

PurrView #35 - Moment of poetry: "Too Close"

You're just a little too close for comfort.

And inwardly I resent, that I spend most of my waking life in your presence

Too close, I say

So close that I can smell you

So close that I can hear you

So close that I can feel you smile

I can feel all the thoughts you've got chained up inside

Many of the links undoubtedly pertain to me

If I could truly be Invictus; the master of my fate, the captain of my soul

I would subtract you

I would divide and conquer

I would add to myself

Recollect my energy

Recollect my being

Recollect the things I love about myself

All the things that you take

So to seem like a rational human being, I downplay it and I merely say,

"You're just a little too close for comfort."

But every day I wish you away…

~Meow~

Pennies

PurrView #34 - Chillout Music

   Okay, so I'm just going to say it: music on the radio nowadays is extremely annoying and consistently leaves me unimpressed. Seemingly, a song can be utter crap with senseless lyrics to top it off; but as long as you add tacky smut, a house beat and/or auto-tune, it's a hit, right? Wrong! And aside from the badly-done electronic-music-overkill on the radio waves today, rap, hip-hop, R&B and rock have tragically continued to nosedive awkwardly over the years, resulting in weak lyrics and concepts, (not so) hidden marketing schemes, and just plain bad taste (examples in image directly below).

   My birthday was November 14th… Another wonderful year has come and gone, and it feels great to be a sexy, single, successful, ambitious, and active 28-year-old woman. Music has always been a completely essential element in my life, and since I was a child, I've had quite an open-minded, vast array of musical tastes. Through my years of experience in activities such as ballet, gymnastics, piano lessons, concert band, percussion and choir, I've been exposed to classical, jazz, gospel, Broadway, opera, and ensemble pieces. Through my training in cheer and modern dance, as well as raving and concert-going with friends, I've developed a liking for other musical genres such as rock, punk, EDM (electronic dance music), blues, folk, funk and hip-hop. But as I arrive at my 28th year of life, one thing I've noticed about my current taste in music is that I've matured a bit, in a fashion that I'm really loving and embracing.

 DJ Krush

 

   My current taste in music is chill and usually paced at about 90-100 BPM. This "downtempo electronic music" helps me relax and focus-- and it stimulates my mind. Thanks to Pandora's Music Genome Project, You Tube, Facebook, word-of-mouth and my own research in music, I've found myself drawn to a more soulful, more refined, more mature taste and feel-- atmospheric, instrumental and experimental with scarce vocals and hip-hop roots. Musicians like Portishead, Zero 7, J Boogie, RJD2 and Stephane Pompougnac are the soundtrack to much of my day as of late. I like to think of it all as my generation's dark and satisfying easy listening. With elements of bossa nova, trip-hop, ambient music, jazzy vocals, deep synthetic touches and soft bass,  it is best described by writer Dean Carlson (Pandora.com) as "the welcome niche of a pretension-free, post-party intellectual chillout," as he spoke of one of my favorite musicians, Bonobo.

  If you're ready for some "pretension-free chill out" music, test out some of the below acts. I have a feeling you'll find them to be soothing and sweet to the soul…

~Meow~

Pennies

Nightmares on Wax

  Pretty Lights

  Massive Attack

  Gramatik

PurrView #33 - Black Keys - "Lonely Boy"

   Black Keys fans, like myself, anxiously awaiting the release of the duo's follow up to 2010 LP Brothers, can satisfy their Black Keys craving in the meantime by checking out "Lonely Boy"-- first release from the upcoming album.

   El Camino-- due out December 6th-- is an album that was dreamt-up, written, compiled, recorded, and edited purely within the walls of Eye Sound Studio, Nashville. Under the direction of well-known producer Danger Mouse (Gnarls Barkley, The Gray Album, Rome w/ Jack White and Norah Jones…), Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney (pictured above) have pumped out a soul-enriched album that is described by Auerbach as "strong melodically, and it's short and to the point" (Scaggs, p. 28). The Black Keys continue to present to us their timeless rock and roll sound which has only strengthened and evolved since the group relocated from their native Akron, OH to music mecca, Nashville, TN.

   "Lonely Boy" is a single that I just can’t put down right now. With lyrics like, "Oh, Oh-oh. I got a love that keeps me waiting," The Black Keys once again, successfully deliver and have truly embraced blues-rock in the first single from El Camino.  Though the song paints a picture of a heart-broken, lonely individual who's jaded by his love that leaves him waiting in vain-- the beat has me singing along and clapping to the all-too-familiar scenario presented in the song.   It's a song that makes you want to gyrate and twist the heartache out of your system, just like the star of the video-- actor/musician/security guard, Derrick Tuggle. In the video, D-Tug (as Auerbach and others refer to him) sampled bits from well known numbers and later explained, "I took some moves from everybody: John Travolta from 'Saturday Night Fever' and 'Pulp Fiction,' the Carlton Banks dance from 'The Fresh Prince' and a little bit of Michael Jackson, so it was a smorgasbord of everybody in there" (Montgomery, mtv.com).

   The tambourine and organ-accents appropriately compliment and polish the song's essence and hints at that decades-old rock and roll sound.  Overall, "Lonely Boy" is a song/video package that boasts perfection in simplicity.

~Meow~
Pennies 

References

  Montgomery, J. (2011, October 27). Black Keys 'Lonely Boy' Video: Meet the Dancing Machine. Mtv.com. Retrieved November 12, 2011 from http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1673294/black-keys-lonely-boy-derrick-tuggle.jhtml

  Scaggs, A. (2011, November 24). Q&A: Dan Auerbach. Rolling Stone, Issue 1144, 28.

  

PurrView #32 - Deer Tick - Beauty Bar Las Vegas

Providence, Rhode Island's Deer Tick made a stop in Old Downtown for a show at Beauty Bar Las Vegas October 29, 2011. Their fourth studio album-- Divine Providence-- hit shelves on October 25. 

Check out my write-up on the show for Las Vegas Weekly!

http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/news/2011/nov/01/dressing-occasion-deer-tick-downtown/ 

Good times in the backyard at Beauty Bar Las Vegas

John McCauley

Dennis Ryan

StuntPogoNick's Animation set to Deer Tick's "These Old Shoes" (My favorite Deer Tick song)

~Meow~

Pennies

PurrView #31 - GBDC at The Palms

GBDC - Ghostbar Day Club at The Palms, Las Vegas

Today, the N9NE Group revealed its latest contribution to Las Vegas' club and nightlife scene, cleverly via their daytime celebration-- GBDC; a daytime club experience (sans swimming pools) that is radically distinct and unparallelled.

GBDC is a unique party held 55 floors up at The Palms every Saturday, in Ghostbar. Featuring guests such as Miss Nevada Sarah Chapman and actor Adrian Grenier, its debut filled the 8,000-square-foot club with over a couple hundred locals, tourists, and even a Maloof brother by the end of the first hour for an afternoon party that began at 1:00.

As the large crowd gathered downstairs waiting to enter, the feel of a sort of circus was present.  N9NE Group members wearing top hats, ringmaster coats, neon wigs, head-dresses, and even stilts got everyone hyped up and excited to board the elevator and see what this GBDC is all about.  

Keeping in style with its spooky name, Ghostbar-- which most locals have already experienced in its usual nighttime setting-- seemed surreal filled with sunlight; like an eerie alternate dimension filled with white light. A bit spooky, as well as apropos in the month of October, the atmosphere was upbeat and exactly as it should be: the usual essence and dope atmosphere of Ghostbar… during the day.

I was previously told to expect GBDC to be a "high energy day party." It certainly was just that-- a sun kissed party with a fabulous view of the Las Vegas strip, champagne showers, confetti, streamers, hot women, 40s of Olde English in paper bags, bright colors and even piñatas!

DJ Zen Freeman offered up electro, house, dubstep and top 40 mixes, keeping the crowd dancing and shuffling in the daylight. Ghostbar employees served up drinks in Rainbow Brite-like tutus and even performed dance routines atop the bar.

The "Grandiose Opening" of GBDC was a smashing good time, and I'm still finding confetti in my hair, bra and boots!

Come check out GBDC, every Saturday at Ghostbar at The Palms-- 1pm!

~Meow~

Pennies

PurrView #30 - First Friday Returns to Las Vegas

http://www.firstfriday-lasvegas.com/

Last night, Las Vegas locals wrapped up our first week of October; Friday carried with it a crisp, cool autumn-apropos night. And after a two-month hiatus, the return of "First Friday" turned out to be quite a successful and positive venture. First Friday-- which was previosuly brought to us by event founder, C. Funkhouser-- returned for a heavily publicized and highly anticipated Ninth Anniversary Celebration, now brought to us by Zappos.com!

Live musicians, break dancers, artists, antique dealers, gallery-owners and art enthusiasts young and old once again filled the closed-off streets of Old Downtown's Arts District for fun, culture, and the sharing of good vibes and art!

Galleries and businesses like Arts Factory, City of the World, and Gypsy Den (among many others) opened their doors once again for the official return of First Friday festivities. Cornerstone Gallery featured Bad Apple artists on display in their front room, like award-winning painter and tattoo artist D.J. Tambe (Bad Apple Tattoo Company, 5640 W. Charleston, Las Vegas, NV 89146, 702-259-5580).

Other independent artists could be found posted-up and down the main drag of First Friday in the heart of all the action; like Luis Varela-Rico (best known for origami-bombing old downtown), with his creative origami, unique coffee tables, paintings, and conversation pieces on display between his fixed-gear bike and a beautiful beige V-Dub bus.

(pic borrowed from JENESSA KENWAY's "Guerilla Origami" blog)

But as we all said "Hello" once again to First Friday, SPACE Studio took this celebration as their opportunity to say "Good Bye" to Las Vegas. Gallery owner, Jana Cruder (well-known for her beautiful three-years-in-the-making "Collecting Faces" project) has decided to move her operation to Los Angeles.  (http://spacestudio.wordpress.com/author/spacestudiolv/)

Zappos brought First Friday back to Vegas art lovers with the passion, good vibes, respect and enthusiasm that they seem to have behind each one of their projects and community contributions. I, for one, happily welcome the new presentation of First Friday in the Las Vegas Arts District! Thanks and blessings to Zappos and Old Downtown for reminding us of the plethora of color, creativity, and fellowship that we sometimes keep so well-hidden in our sparkly town!

~Meow~

Pennies

PurrView #29 - TV on the Radio w/ Arctic Monkeys - Las Vegas

www.TVontheRadio.com

On Friday, September 23, I caught TV on the Radio as they played the Boulevard Pool at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Opening for them was Arctic Monkeys out of the U.K.-- who had me shaking my derriere to  joints of theirs like "Fluorescent Adolescent" http://youtu.be/ma9I9VBKPiw and "Brianstorm" http://youtu.be/30w8DyEJ__0 -- and Smith Westerns (who, I am sorry to say, I was too fashionably late to catch that night).

The Boulevard Pool, which overlooks the Las Vegas strip from four stories up, turned out to be a superb venue.  With plenty of room to dance (thanks to the pool partly being drained), sufficient bar service (I never had to wait more than five minutes for a nice, stiff drink), and various pleasing vantage points, it was a sumptuous treat for my senses!

The band arrived on the property earlier in the day and was seen at a few spots around The Cosmo, including the casino floor, as well as enjoying the property's poolside amenities. Though band members Jaleel Bunton and Kyp Malone happily sat and conversed with fellow hotel patrons at the poolside bar at about high noon on Friday, the band flaked on the pre-show meet & greet, then hightailed it out of there directly after their set.

TV on the Radio has come to be one of my favorite and most beloved bands. I even secured my ticket all the way back in June. Though they put on a great show, rich with soul, energy, and their unique indie-experimental-punk sound, something (admittedly) seemed to be amiss. Through conversation with friends of mine who also attended the show, we could only assume that this is mostly due to the fact that TVOTR lost their eclectic and talented bassist-- Gerard Smith-- on April 20, 2011 to lung cancer, eight days after their latest album was released. (They have since continued to tour with replacement bassists, but have not solidly filled the void that Smith left, as of yet.)

TVOTR started their set with "Second Song," from their latest release Nine Types of Light; and of course performed the album's key song and love ballad "Will Do"-- a must-see video ( http://youtu.be/dXLpXu9T7j0 ). The nighttime Las Vegas heat didn't keep front man Tunde Adebimpe from wailing and flailing his arms and body in his usual onstage style. As the sweat escaped his pores, the band's eclecticism and musical prowess enveloped the audience, even all the way through the three-song encore. The set list consisted mostly of tunes from Nine Types of Light, including an energetic rendition of "Repetition" and a funky presentation of "Caffeinated Consciousness." But the band certainly did not fail to also bring us past-time hits like "Staring at the Sun" and "Wolf Like Me"-- the hit that seemed to elicit the strongest response and energy from the audience, and had the fans bouncing in unison ( http://youtu.be/j1-xRk6llh4 ).

(Check out my review of Nine Types of Light --> http://purrview.blogspot.com/2011/05/purrview-10-tv-on-radio-nine-types-of.html )

TV on the Radio pushes onward with their 2011 Nine Types of Light tour, hitting up two more west coast performances in Hollywood and Oakland, before making their way to the east coast, where the Brooklyn band's roots lie. Tonight, September 25, they play the Hollywood Bowl with (once again) Arctic Monkeys and Smith Westerns; but also part of the line up are Warpaint and Panda Bear. Though they lack the presence of their dearly departed bassist, TVOTR continues to grace us with their relentless disbursement of good music and good vibes...

 Lots of love, TV on the Radio!

~Meow~

Pennies

PurrView #28 - Dusty Sunshine

Last Saturday, September 17, I had the pleasure of catching Dusty Sunshine play with fellow locals, Coastwest Unrest at Artifice. Comprised in part of individuals from other great Vegas acts like The Clydesdale and A Crowd of Small Adventures, the five lady/one gentleman group of musically versatile and talented scenesters graced our ears with floating, angelic vocals and dreamy, emotional lyrics about anything from being in love to being in jail!

Band members Summer Soll, Heidi Guinn, Chani Leavitt, Megan Wingerter, Courtney Carroll and Jason Aragon made their live debut as Dusty Sunshine about a year ago, and have played out around town at joints like The Bunkhouse and The Lounge at The Palms, presenting us with a sound that is at times, doo-wop in nature and at other times, foothills-blues sounding. Dusty Sunshine member Heidi Guinn advised me that their sound has even been dubbed as "salon-shop quartet"-- a perfect description for an aspect of the sextet's unique sound!

Each song that they played was fortified with perfectly harmonized vocals, smooth, rolling bass lines, acoustic guitar, and even touches of violin, mandolin and autoharp to optimize Dusty Sunshine's beautiful, soulful sound.  They are seemingly a group of choral superheroes-- or more fittingly, super-sirens-- with their hypnotizing, ethereal voices. Dusty Sunshine tantalized my senses and had me closing my eyes and sighing to their sweet sounds.

I definitely look forward to catching them again as they play at the grand opening celebration of The Barrymore at The Royal Resort this Wednesday, September 21. But more importantly, I can’t wait to pick up Dusty Sunshine's first album; a nine-song repertoire that they just finished recording two weeks ago. They're now in the stages of picking the album's artwork, and the album release party is October 29, as they play Beauty Bar with Deer Tick. Be sure to join the celebration and pick up a copy… their heavenly voices just might inspire you to croon your own heart out; but chances are, it won't sound as fine as those girls!

~Meow~

Pennies

PurrView #27 - DMB Caravan - The Gorge

Where do Dave Matthews Band fans go to quench their DMB thirst? They hop on the Dave Matthews Band Caravan, of course! A moving festival with an ever-so- faithful following, DMB Caravan draws in thousands upon thousands of the band's fans at each stop. They leave their respectable corporate nine-to-fives to cash in a few of their vacation days; to get dirty, camp out, dance, and surround themselves with mesmerizing folk sounds at one of the most pleasant music festivals I've ever had the pleasure of experiencing.

(Myself at The Gorge, overlooking main stage)

Though I hadn't previously experienced Dave Matthews Band live, I have experienced numerous massives and music festivals like Coachella and Bonnaroo. I can honestly say that DMB Caravan is the cleanest, most organized, most positive-vibe-infused music festival that I've ever experienced! It was tens of thousands of happy Dave fans coming out to have a good time for a weekend; and I've learned that there is absolutely no room for shadiness or drama at a Dave show! Taking it easy is the name of the game among these folks. And locking your car, tent, or campsite is never a thought that crosses your mind at DMB Caravan. Trust, faith, love, positivity and nature just permeate the air at the Dave Matthews Band Caravan!

 I've always been a fan of Dave Matthews Band, but had never seen them live. This is much to the dismay of some of my best friends, who have all seen him-- literally-- dozens of times. My best friend, DJ stated that this was roughly his 30th DMB show; and Mark, who I met at Seattle's SeaTac airport wearing a DMB Caravan T-Shirt, proudly stated that this was his 52nd Dave show; and Julian, whom I also met at the airport flew in from Belgium to attend all 2011 DMB Caravan stops, and stated that this was his 25th time seeing Dave; as well, I met two sisters, Jody and Sharon from Anaheim who proudly stated that this was their 70th Dave show! DMB fans are some of the most faithful followers and fans that I've EVER met.  

Earlier albums like Under the Table and Dreaming (1994), Crash (1996), and Before These Crowded Streets (1998) stole my heart as a youngster and became a folk-hippie staple in my coming of age and among my generation.  I've lost myself in songs like "Dancing Nancies"—which Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds closed their afternoon set with on Sunday—and "Crush"  on many a foggy occasion. And on the occasion of Labor Day Weekend 2011, I experienced Dave and the DMB Caravan for over three days at Washington's famed venue, The Gorge-- located about a 2 hour drive from Seattle.

(The Gorge by day)

September 2-4, Dave Matthews Band headlined the festival at the end of each day. But the event also consisted of three separate stages in this beautiful, unique venue with other great bands and acts filling The Gorge with music for miles and miles, as The Gorge is actually a natural amphitheatre and canyon along the Columbia River.

(GogolBordello.com)
 

On Friday, I finally caught an amazing act that I've been dying to see for years-- Gogol Bordello! This gypsy-punk band of crazies certainly lived up to their reputation and had The Meadows stage hopping with their own style of psychogypsy-punk vibes; any festival-goers sporting a studded belt could be found at that stage… Their powerful set had the crowd dancing, thrashing, jumping, and yelling, "Start Wearing Purple!"  Jenny-O also performed on Friday, but really should have been reserved for the night-- her psychedelic Lissie-sounding electronic folk tunes almost put me to sleep in the high-sun heat of the day. Washington D.C.-based, Soja, set the mood of the day with their undeniably magnificent reggae sounds!

(DC's own Soja - pic borrowed from Irieites.de)

On Saturday, I had the privilege of once again catching one of my fave San Diego bands-- The Silent Comedy. The Silent Comedy always seems to make themselves one with their audience, as you can see in the next picture. Frontman Josh Zimmerman can be seen below getting deep down into the crowd and bringing them low to the ground to hear and feel what the earth is saying. Saturday also hailed a performance from The Roots. The Roots really need no explanation as to who and what they are; but if you're still at a loss, you might recognize them as Jimmy Fallon's house band. Devotchka was another notable performance of the day that had every pseudo-hippie dancing their butt off! And to top the night off, when Dave Matthews Band performed with Warren Haynes as guest, they closed with a splendid cover of Blue Oyster Cult's "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" that sent goose bumps running all over my entire body!

(The Silent Comedy's Josh Zimmerman getting down into the audience)
 

On Sunday, the good vibes relentlessly continued to radiate. DMB's final performance of this stop was (as stated by every DMB fan I spoke to) one of the very best live sets from the band. I would have to say that I completely believe that, as it was an amazing and hypnotic set that began with the beautiful sunset in the background (as pictured below) and went well into the night, closing with a cover of Sly and the Family Stone's "Thank You for Letting Me Be Myself (Again)." Dave was not shy about his good mood and dance moves either, as he broke it down with his funky, country style swag and dance skills. But earlier in the day, a memorable and sun-shiny set from Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros had the entire crowd-- from front to back-- dancing to beloved tunes of theirs like "Home". Also earlier that afternoon, Philadelphia's Dispatch packed the grass of the main stage with free-spirited indie-roots fans dancing around and being merry.

(sunset, final day)

Dave Matthews Band Caravan was an experience that left me with a feeling of satisfaction and gratification. From the campgrounds, to the stages, to the people, to the view, to the sheer magnificence of the gift from God that is The Gorge, the festival was worth every penny and every ounce of travel and effort it took to get there. I know in my heart that-- DMB Caravan or not-- I will once again find myself at this spectacular, breathtaking venue. Kudos to DMB Caravan and blessings to Washington's The Gorge!

~Meow~

Pennies

PurrView #26 - The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

http://www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com/

(For Marquee Reservations,VIP host terry.saquido@marqueelasvegas.com is great!)

Nevada Property 1 LLC, otherwise known as "The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas" or simply "The Cosmo," has seemingly branded itself as the premier hip, young resort-casino, unlike any other. The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas-- located right in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip-- was such a highly-anticipated and unique revolution in the resort-casino industry that their grand opening celebration even took course over a handful of days.

The Cosmo opened its doors to hotel guests and the public on December 15, 2010 with opening-night performer and Las Vegas local, Brandon Flowers (whom you may know as the lead singer of The Killers). The Cosmopolitan's grand opening celebration continued on to New Year's weekend, with a special invite-only NYE celebration called Viva La Hov, featuring "The Hov" himself, Jay-Z; and the world's current #1 rock band, Coldplay.

(borrowed from gospelconnossieur.com: Jay Z, Chris Martin of Coldplay and Kanye West, NYE)

The Cosmo's  sensory-tantalizing inception in December 2010 served as a precursor to the property becoming an artistic and musical haven for popular and sub-pop acts alike. The Cosmo has continued to push the envelope as the only hipster casino around, promoting themselves as being "Just the right amount of wrong."

The Cosmopolitan's one-year anniversary is soon approaching, and after countless nights of good times there-- both vivid and blurry-- I must say that the Cosmo has become my favorite hot spot on the Las Vegas Strip! And that's not even taking into consideration the 100,000 square-foot gaming floor and the 2,995-room residential style hotel amenities.  But to boil down the main elements that really make this unique property matter to me, The Cosmo gets my eclectic stamp of approval for the music, the ambience, and Marquee Nightclub.  

As far as music, The Cosmopolitan repeatedly delivers the most in-demand (not-so-mainstream) current musical acts to strip-going hipsters. Bands, singers and DJs present to us their fresh new sounds at The Cosmo via several different platforms throughout the property. For example, in February, I caught The Black Keys playing The Chelsea, located upstairs a few flights. My only complaints are that after hearing of a venue called "The Chelsea" at the highly-esteemed Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas; I had expected something classier and more theatre-like, comparable to "The Pearl" at The Palms. However, I was disappointed to find that The Chelsea was merely a banquet room with wobbly floors, inadequate bar amenities and cheap bleachers set up in the rear.  Another example; The Book & Stage, is a sports-lounge-by-day located on the outskirts of the gaming floor near the lobby that, at night, repeatedly brings great underground acts-- both local and out-of-state-- to Las Vegans free of charge. Additionally, besides at Marquee Nightclub, DJs like Vegas' own DJ Miss Joy can be found posted up around different parts of the casino, such as The Chandelier Bar, to offer up more attention to musical detail. The music-delivery doesn't end at the casino doors, however; some of the hottest acts can be caught at The Boulevard Pool as well, like TV on the Radio, who will be playing there on September 23, 2011 and Death Cab for Cutie who just played there yesterday, August 20, 2011. And just to emphasize how musically in-tune The Cosmo is with their hip patrons, I must admit that I even enjoy the elevator music played there (i.e. The Talking Heads, James Brown, or Tear for Fears)! Here are just a few of the great acts booked by The Cosmo:

Kaskade, The Strokes, Black Keys, Deadmau5, Girl Talk, Cage the Elephant, The Flaming Lips, Mumford & Sons, Ben Folds, Foster the People, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Max Vangeli, Adele, Steve Aoki, The Naked and Famous, Pretty Lights, and many, many more genre-bouncing acts….

 (The Black Keys at The Chelsea)

(a picture of myself in the lobby of The Cosmo; square pillars as backdrop)

When it comes to ambience, The Cosmopolitan did not take the generic cookie-cutter route, by any means. There seems to be an ever-present emphasis on modern art culture throughout the entire property. The walls of the underground parking garage are adorned with graffiti/street art from little- known to well-known street artists hailing from Las Vegas, Los Angeles, etc. The large square pillars in the lobby are an ever-changing LED screen anomaly that provides a magnificent backdrop for photos with friends! And if you happen to pass a cigarette vending machine, make sure you take a second look, because it's actually one of The Cosmo's Art-O-Mat machines. Yes-- instead of vending packs of cigarettes from the machines-- for only $5 you can actually buy a small-scale piece of art to take home with you. Also adding to the ambience is the Cosmo staff. The employees at The Cosmopolitan are not called "employees." They are referred to by their employer as "Co Stars" and they are encouraged to be helpful, cool, hip and expressive in their mannerisms, hair, body art, and general presentation.  

(myself, posing in front of wall art in the Cosmo parking garage; artist: Shepard Fairey)

(DJ Erick Morillo tearin' it up at Marquee Nightclub)

And the last element of The Cosmopolitan that I've chosen to behold in this blog post is Marquee Nightclub. Arguably, yet agreeably the #1 night club in the world, the 62,000 square-foot Marquee is a vast Night Club and (poolside) Day Club set atop the Las Vegas strip. With its four-story media (LED) art, the hottest and most organized go-go performers, the most in-demand DJs on the face of the planet, and different rooms to satisfy your night club cravings, it's no wonder that Marquee is always packed shoulder to shoulder even before the clock strikes 11pm, with tables selling out (many times) a week in advance! The main area is set up in a coliseum-style formation with the main DJ booth as the focal point. If a darker, more hip-hop-club vibe is what you're looking for, the downstairs area will appropriately compliment your fancy. And if you're looking for more of an alternative, twisted-countryside-manor sort of style, make your way upstairs to The Library, and there you will find a pool table, leather-bound books lining the walls, leather couches and a dark argyle sweater/Hugh Hefner-esque atmosphere with naughty-looking librarians as cocktail servers. Let me not forget to mention the outside area of Marquee either; the outdoor poolside area is the brightest area and is also the most hobnob-appropriate area of the club. Not only will you be surrounded by the sounds of the best house music around and the Las Vegas wind blowing through your hair, but this outside area is reminiscent of (a more grown-up and classy version of) the outdoor area of raves I used to go to when I was a kid: fresh air, pulsing bass, and the chatter of hundreds of dancing party-goers all around.

(some girlfriends and I, outside on the patio at Marquee)

Without a doubt, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is truly eclectic and dissimilar to any other resort-casino. As its one-year-anniversary soon approaches, I extend kudos to this property for being "Just the right amount of wrong." No other casino around does music, ambience and nightlife quite like Cosmo does!

~Meow~
Pennies

PurrView #25 - Chester's Street Art

As you all know, I am quite the kitty cat, but your beloved Pennies-- though not previously expressed in my blog-- is also an avid dog lover. Since my first pooch-- my little Pomeranian, Precious-- came into my life in 2002, my heart has been stolen by several canines, most specifically pitbulls. There is just something about dogs-- especially how they understand you in ways that no other human being could, and at times also comfort you in ways that no other human being could.

Dogs great and small grace our planet providing us with companionship, love, aid in time of need and even ENTERTAINMENT. Chester the dog is a little pooch with great skill, presence, artistic talent and fashion sense.

Chester the dog gives new meaning to "Street Art" as you will see below. Now presenting…

ELL-OH-ELL!

~Meow~

Pennies

PurrView #24 - 15 Seconds of Fame… Sort of

I'm a faithful reader and fan of Rolling Stone magazine. In issue #1133, RS journalist Josh Eels did a wonderful write-up on his interview with Bon Iver, which took place in lead singer Justin Vernon's humble Wisconsin cabin.

As usually happens when I read Josh Eels' articles, I thoroughly enjoyed every word of it. Also included in the same issue was a colorful review of Bon Iver's latest (self titled) album, which came out on June 21, 2011.  It pleased me so much to see Bon Iver getting this well-deserved glowing press that I decided to write Rolling Stone and express my thanks.

As luck would have it, Rolling Stone appreciated my gratitude and e-mailed me the very next day to let me know that they were publishing my note of praise in the next issue.  It's a great feeling to have your favorite magazine deem you publish-worthy…. Even if it is only a measly little letter on page 14!



Friends, family and beyond-- be sure to pick up the August 4, 2011 issue of Rolling Stone with Larry David on the cover. On page 14, under "Midwest Roots," you'll find a little tidbit of praise, signed Maureen Hank, Las Vegas.

I Love Rolling Stone!

~Meow~

Pennies

PurrView #23 - The Silent Comedy

(photo by Rebecca Joelson; borrowed from OwlandBear.com)
http://www.thesilentcomedy.com/

   The Silent Comedy is a timeless, soulful band hailing from San Diego, who have performed with acts like Mumford & Sons, The Black Keys, and Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros. Since the band's conception in 2006, they've blurred the lines of music to present a sound that incorporates special touches of ethereal vocals, keyboard, organ, banjo, violin, horns and mandolin with eclectic musical concepts, a supreme intuitiveness with each other and the crowd, and pleasing aesthetics that make this band a satisfying one to catch.

   Their videos, which can be found on their YouTube mix, are a deeply touching and positively entertaining time warp (i.e. the video for "Bones" http://youtu.be/2-EQzESFuDU). And after catching them live for the first time, I see exactly the talent that has earned them an invitation to play the Dave Matthews Band Caravan at The Gorge in Washington State, this Labor Day weekend. Vocalist-guitarist-keyboard player, Jeremiah Zimmerman voiced to me his excitement for that upcoming performance. He noted that Dave Matthews Band had inspired him when he was really starting to play music in the early nineties. In addition to that, Jeremiah also stated of the caravan show, with an ear-to-ear grin, "… I'm excited to be playing the same show as The Roots too!"

   Last night, they completed their four-performance Las Vegas stop, playing the midnight show at Book & Stage, Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. The band had been in town playing shows with buddy-band, Saint Motel.

    I'd previously heard a bit of their music before this, but I hadn't expected such meteoric stage presence and funky vibe from guys that-- for the most part-- looked like they had just emerged from the prohibition era; suspenders, derby hat, handlebar moustache and all! But there was nothing rusty and old about their performance. I couldn't help but clap my hands and pipe in myself, yelling "Amen!" to tracks like "The Well" and "Gasoline." They played a well-paced hour long set, full of vigor that drew a hefty crowd to the Book & Stage Lounge, which had been rather empty (with the exception of an obviously faithful group of followers) just prior to them hitting the stage.  

   They have a unique chemistry with the crowd that is difficult for many bands to attain. But to these guys, the love that they make with their audience seems to just come naturally. And the name of the band-- The Silent Comedy-- is appropriate not only in their timelessness, but also in that, if their performance had been recorded and played back on mute, the silent visual performance itself would be almost as entertaining.

   This is an act that I definitely look forward to seeing again; and I'll be doing so when I attend the Dave Matthews Band Caravan at The Gorge, September 2-4. The Silent Comedy comes from unique, cultured musical roots and inspirations. They are a band that you can't just listen to; you have to experience them live to get the full, pleasing effect.  You'll be happy you did so!

~Meow~

Pennies

PurrView #22 - Moment of poetry: "Covers"

If only you could see me lying here naked;

lost in my covers, thinking of you.

The sunlight pours in

disappointing and rude;

my covers just thick enough to block it out.

Yet under the covers, there is still no escape.

My mind is awake, flooded with thoughts of

you.

And yes-- to my dismay--

another day awaits.

My covers cannot protect me from that.

Nor can my covers keep out the sound of my cell.

The sound of those itching and burning to tell

of all the liveliness and loveliness I missed out on last night.

They're yearning for a chance to say,

"Hey friend, how's your day?"

But not one shred of a chance do I display;

for, once again, I pull the covers up, hoping to block out the pain.

~Meow~

Pennies

PurrView #21 - R.I.P. Amy Winehouse

             As I woke this Saturday morning, July 23, 2011, it was sad to hear the news that Amy Winehouse had just died. I also realized that she'd just become the newest addition to a list of well-known musicians/artists who've tragically died at the age of 27. Her death was confirmed by her label, Universal, and hails the end of her life; a bittersweet, paradoxical, melancholy story, more heart-rending than fiction.

   In her dark, velvety voice, and with such vocal prowess, Amy was known to croon lines like "I cheated myself like I knew I would," and now this may have tragically come true. Cause of death at this moment is unknown, but the rumors and statements floating around on the internet frequently refer to her known substance abuse problems. The world will not know for sure, if she cheated herself, until after her autopsy, which is scheduled for tomorrow, according to TMZ.com. Winehouse-- who had canceled remaining shows in her European tour earlier this year-- had just checked out of a rehab/treatment facility about a month ago, according to NBC. And according to on-lookers, the singer's body was carried out of her London flat with a red blanket draped over her.   

Her most famous album, "Back to Black," her notable pompadour and her trademark dark, inked-up persona will surely be remembered for many years to come. Her memory will find a place comfortably on the wall next to such beloved, similarly-lost musicians like Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morrison. Fans worldwide say "Good bye," to a golden, million-dollar voice, and a sad little bird will soon be laid to rest.

Enjoy these other Amy Winehouse videos...

(Here's to you in the afterlife, Amy!)

~Meow~
Pennies