July 9, 2006

Summer is here! Time for hot weather and taking vacations! While the absurdly high cost of gas has been on everyone’s mind lately, I found a great destination not too far outside of LA down at the Queen Mary. We booked a night in the Winston Churchill suite and upon arrival, dropped our bags to take a private tour and learned the history about this magnificent ship’s many lives. From luxury liner filled with royalty, to the “Grey Ghost” of WWII doing battle and transporting troops, Mary has served them all as a first class act. Now a hotel and entertainment complex on the water, the best part of this ship is its amazing art deco décor. We wandered through the shops filled with knick-knacks, mini museums filled with the ship’s mementos, and kept a look out for ghosts. (Rumor has it they’re most prevalent in the pool area and the engine room.) In the evening, we took in a fun show with Tibbies dinner cabaret and enjoyed the beautiful views from the deck. With so much going on, you need never leave the ship. Find out more on their web site. www.queenmary.com. All aboard!

Now from one queen to another, I went to check out the latest production of Hedwig the Angry Inch, this time featuring Donovan Leitch (Nancy Boy, Camp Freddy) playing rock’s favorite German trannie with the botched sex op. While Leitch seemed to be a suitable choice to take over the role, I have to say the performance didn’t have the dynamic energy of previous LA role lead Michael Cerveris (whose performance will be hard for anyone to beat!)

With the story told through lengthy monologues, Leitch’s performance dragged, he just didn’t have the comic timing to pull off the humor of writer John Cameron Mitchell’s vision. Plus, he needed to be an exceptionally dominant force to command the audience that gathered the Roxy (a concert venue rather than theatre) where people didn’t seem to get the notion that loud, drunken talking, taking cell phone calls, and text messaging during the performance is FREAKING ANNOYING to people around them who are trying to watch the show! However, Leitch rocked out during the music numbers, prancing it up in full glam glory, a role he is clearly comfortable in. But no matter who plays Hedwig, the story is a rock ‘n’ roll classic. For more on the making of Hedwig, read the interview I did awhile back with co-creater/songwriter Stephen Trask: coolgrrrls.com/hedwig

I went to a musical of a different tone as Burbank’s Falcon Theatre presented “Exiles in Paradise,” a virtual one-woman show created and performed by Contance Haumans that both examines and pays tribute to Europe’s exiled composers who were able to flee the horror of Hitler’s Holocaust and thrive in Hollywood. The show celebrates music and art set against the backdrop of the Third Reich’s invasion using 16 mm film, historical footage, and studio clips. But the stars of the show were the composers themselves, memorable works by Fredrich Hollander, Arnold Schoenberg, Emmerich Kalman, Erich Wolfgang Korngold, Eric Zeisl, Walter Jurmann, Ralph Bentsky, Hans Eilster and Kerut Weill, all performed by Ms. Hauman and a small classical orchestra. After the performance it was a treat to see the show’s presenter, mega-producer/director Gary Marshall (known for such hits as Happy Days, The Dick Van Dyke Show, Pretty Woman) greeting the audience in the theatre’s lobby.

One solo performer who can hold his own in a one man show is Richard Butler. The pop crooner best known as the singer for the Psychedelic Furs and later Love Spit Love, came to the Key Club to dust off his classic raspy croon. Promoting his recently released solo album, "Good Days, Bad Days," a gutsy swing at a darker side, Butler tackles some serious issues in his life -- the breakup of his marriage and the death of his father. Shielded behind tinted glasses and a music stand, Butler remained seated throughout the show, as he graced the audience with new songs and few crowd-rousing hits from the past. While missed his old stage energy, this enigmatic Brit always did have some of the most sultry moves of the post punk/new wave era, Butler’s voice remains ever-charming. Some of the best pipes in pop, hands down.

Is it hot in here, or is it just me? Turns out, it might be Global Warming. I went to see the film “An Inconvenient Truth” Al Gore’s presentation on how our big ol’ earth is getting hot, hot, hot! How frightening is it know that if we don’t make changes to slow global warming, the world as we know it will change in the next 10-50 years. Yes, IN OUR LIFETIME! We’ve already seen the devastating affects from weather changes. Two words: Hurricane Katrina. Don’t believe it? Find out more at undoit.org. And take action! Here are a few small steps that can make a BIG difference.

- Buy energy efficient light bulbs. You will save money on your electric bill. They’re cheap, 3 for $9.99 and easy to order (with free shipping) from: The Energy Federation. Go to: energyfederation.org

- Recycle. It’s so easy. Drop your cans and bottles in the colored recycling bins if your neighborhood provides them. Or just put them aside in a bag and take it to your local grocery store once a week. Many stores such as Ralph’s have recycling facilities that will give you a coupon to save off your groceries! For more options go to: earth911.org

- While 162 countries have ratified the Kyoto Protocol to address global warming, The United States has not. Now, individual Mayors across the country are stepping up with the Climate Protection Act. See if yours has at: seattle.wa.us/climate. If your Mayor hasn’t signed on. Petition him!

- Adopt an animal from the World Wildlife Fund. Polar Bears are in danger of starving to death from global warming of the North Pole and Alaskan areas. So now I’m the proud new mom of a Polar Bear cub named Ziggy Snowdust. Adopt one yourself. (Ziggy needs a backing band!) Go to: worldwildlife.org

- Join the Virtual March! Make the pledge to help stop global warming. Go to: stopglobalwarming.org

- Go see “An Inconvenient Truth” and bring all your friends. It’s not only informative, it’s entertaining. Gore is a delightful and moving presenter. Plus, by selling out this film, we send a message that we are taking this issue seriously. For more info, including a theater locator, go to: climatecrisis.net. Also pick up Gore’s book on the subject.

Now for me, books are like albums, I collect them and the writers become like rock stars (only with a slightly more moderate style of dress!) I’m just as happy cranking up Bowie as curling up with Hemingway, and I was happy to discover that I’m not alone. Books are still very much in vogue for the massive crowd that gathered at the LA Times Festival of Books on the UCLA Campus, to check out book vendors featuring everything from mysteries to travel to Los Angeles-centric books offered at discount prices for the weekend. But the best part of the festival is always the panel discussions with acclaimed authors. I dropped in on the very entertaining “Hip Chicks Packing Heat” discussion featuring authors Harley Jane Kozak, Susan Kandel and Patricia Smiley who have cornered the market on the hip female detective novels as they talked inspirations for their main characters that come from culture, cars, dating and Los Angeles city life. Now those are a bunch of cool grrrls!

A large auditorium filled with those who came to see the world’s most famous Hustler, Larry Flynt, promoting his book, “Sex, Lies, & Politics: The Naked Truth.” Although we had to wait 10 minutes for him to appear on stage because the wheelchair-bound icon was stuck in a broken handicap elevator (guess that’s not up to code), Flynt’s interview was filled with memorable words:

“I’ve been called a bottom feeder. Yeah, but look what I found when I got down there!”

“If parents are paranoid about what’s on the computer, then they should throw out the computer. Nobody made them buy it. But instead they send lobbyists to congress to limit all of us when really they’re just being lazy parents.”

“Every war has been fought over religion. When so many people die over God, something is wrong.”

“Most of Hustler’s breaking stories came from tips from reporters who couldn’t cover it for their own publications. Then Hustler breaks it and the reporter gets to cover it.

“If you think I’m obscene, then complain to the manufacturer, don’t complain to me.”

I stopped by the NoHo Arts Festival for their annual promotion of the area’s art, theater and small businesses (those who could afford the pricey vendor booth, that is). But the real talk of the day was luxury loft buildings being erected in this quaint neighborhood. A quick survey found that rents start around $1,400 for a single. Excuse me, but isn’t this an artist district? I don’t know any artists who can live on their own paying that kind of rent. I say if you’re going to develop Hollywood, Downtown and NoHo because of the character built by the artists who lived there (because of the affordable rent), then keep your fancy buildings and make living space that everyone can live in rather than having the cool people pushed out.

The flyer invite read “Wake the Dead” and that’s what we set out to do for a screening of the documentary “Betty Blowtorch and her True Life Adventures” at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery – the final resting place of other such notables as Dee Dee Ramone, Fay Wray and Rudolph Valentino. But who we really came to see is Hollywood’s own Bianca Halstead, singer for Betty Blowtorch who was laid to rest there in 2001. The rain had been threatening to come all day. With gray skies overhead and a damp cool breeze in the air, the crowd, clad in leather and studs sprawled out on picnic blankets and lawn chairs in a grassy knoll amongst the tombstones. Circus clowns, stilt walkers added an oddity factor in this cemetery party to celebrate a band whose biggest mission was just to rock out.

I remember seeing Betty Blowtorch play the club scene and it was always a ball, with their flame throwing go-go dancers and Bianca’s rage – at 90 lbs, all tattoos and leather, she had a fierce primal energy onstage that came from deep within. I remember the shock when I heard she was killed in a car accident while on tour and how our circle of club scenesters were almost paralyzed with grief over losing one of our own.

The documentary, screened on a mausoleum wall, filled in the blanks of what happened to the band leading up to Bianca’s death. With a “Behind the Music” vibe, viewers are led through the band’s personal struggle with no glossing over. The interviews are honest, sometimes brutal. We get the details on the band’s ugly breakup while on the road, the obstacles they faced, and the personal world of Bianca, the keys to her irrepressible rage and spirit.

At the end of the film the rain came down. “God it crying for Bianca,” said director Anthony Scarpa into the microphone as he introduced the former members of Betty Blowtorch who were all in the audience: Sharon Needles, Blare N. Bitch, and Judy Molish. It was the first time the three had been together since the band’s demise. And Bianca’s stepsister boldly told Sharon and Julie that she was sorry they didn’t invite them to the funeral (a big issue discussed in the film). Somehow it felt like closure and the perfect way to remember Bianca and one hell of an amazing band.

From one Betty to another. Much ado has been made about cult icon Bettie Page lately. With a major motion picture, an underground film and a photo exhibit hitting LA at the same time, it was clearly time to celebrate this iconic pin-up queen of the 50’s. I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Page in person about five years ago when she did an online chat for the LA Times. Now in her elder years, she prefers to keep a low profile. During the interview, she only allowed a handful of people to see her as was escorted into the building through a private entrance. She only wants people to remember what she looked like back in her modeling days. I can tell you, she still looks like Bettie Page! Yes, she looks older, her body isn’t quite bikini-ready, but she still wears the same shoulder-length, wavy hair and bangs (only gray in color.) Her eyes sparkle blue as sapphires, and she speaks through her trademark ruby red lips. She told us in a slight southern drawl “I don’t know what all the fuss is about me now, I was just trying to do my best poses for the pictures.” It may have been just a job for Bettie, but a legend was born!

Thus the reason behind the, “The Notorious Bettie Page,” a delightful film that takes audiences through Page’s rise to fame. Filmed in black and white, we see how Bettie, just a nice girl from Nashville, wound up posing for sexually risqué photos. With director Mary Harron’s meticulous care in capturing the time period, and a knockout performance by Gretchen Mol perfectly portraying Bettie’s look and innocent charm, we get a glimpse into Bettie’s troubled past of sexual abuse and see how she fell into hardcore bondage modeling. We also get a clear view of photographers Irving and Paula Klaw, ultimate professionals who were just trying to cater to what their clients wanted to purchase, though it eventually led to a disturbing and scandalous censorship trial that criminalized Page and the Klaws for pushing pornography. In contrast, some of the film’s sassier moments come during the fun-in-the-sun photo shoots with photography Bunny Yeager utilizing Harron’s clever choice to film this section in heavily saturated Kodachrome-esque full color. “The Notorious Bettie Page” is destined to go down as a notorious film, with full credit going to Harron’s vision, superb casting and respect for Ms. Page’s story.

In the same week, I went to go check out the Clair Obscur Gallery exhibit of the Klaw’s photographs. Blown up almost life size, we see Bettie in bondage and girl on girl catfights. While Bettie was indeed a beauty, it’s her apple pie face and sweet expressions that make these pictures accessible and enjoyable even to those who aren’t into the rope and leathers scene.

Another film portraying Bettie’s life is the independent release “Bettie Page Dark Angel.” While the acting leaves a lot to be desired, the film tells Bettie’s story in a series of vignettes with effective recreations of her black & white short films with perfected shimmies and shakes by actress Paige Richards. I also enjoyed the rollicking soundtrack provided by Blondie’s Chris Stein (Blondie) and Danny B. Harvey (Rockats). More highlights include the casting of former Haunted Garage singer Dukey Flyswatter as Irving Klaw and narrations by Barbara Niles, which are a close match to Bettie’s actual voice and innocent take on her behind-the-bondage thoughts. The two-disc set is loaded with extra’s including photo galleries, interviews and for some extra fun, a segment on “How to Pose Nude” by Bunny Yeager.”

Ready for my close-up,

K.

(Queen Mary and Richard Butler photos by Kastle, Ziggy Snowdust picture WWF-Canon / Martin Harvey, Bettie Page photo from the book Bettie Page The Life of a Pin-Up Legend)

April 7, 2006

I didn’t plan on starting this report with sad news but this week I learned of the death of singer/songwriter Nikki Sudden, known for bands the Swell Maps, the Jacobites, and his many solo recordings.

The Jacobites were one of those bands that made me stop in my tracks when I first heard them at a friend’s house around 1987. It was one of the those moments of “who is THAT?!” I was instantly hooked on their jangly, English blues ala the Stones with a kick of Johnny Thunders and the unusual harmonies of Sudden’s nasal Dylan-esque twang and partner Dave Kusworth’s sweet balladry. I scoured record stores until I amassed a collection of their recordings.

When Nikki came to LA to play a solo gig in 1998, I tracked him down to interview him for the Los Angeles Times and we got to know each other over drinks at the Cat ‘N’ Fiddle, the first of many cocktails we would share in years to come.

It was then that I learned the Nikki in person wasn’t much different than the person on those recordings and album covers. Always dressed in his trademark velvet and brocade suits, a long scarf tied around his neck, he basically lived out of a suitcase, going from city to city, a traveling minstrel, a vagabond poet, a tattered rock ‘n’ roll prince, spiced with hope and melancholy and an acoustic guitar to bang it all out.

Nikki never stopped thinking, never stopped creating. A prolific songwriter, he cranked out a new album nearly every year. Some might call him a workaholic, but for Nikki it was just his life, and his thoughts could not be contained. He was always “on”, whether it was jotting down lines of words, strumming his guitar, or having intense conversations with the many people he met along the way. “If you want to retain creativity, you’ve got to continue to be open to new things, keep that childlike naiveté. If you lose that, what else are you going to do – work in a bank?” he told me during our interview.

Nikki was a charmer for sure, but as easily as he appeared gentle and elegant, he could just as easily fall into fits of artistic stubbornness, his words often laced with cynicism and an occasional sharp tongue. Being in America often fed his cantankerous side, though his irrepressible wit always came through, and he made me laugh when he regarded all the food here as “Fatburgers.”

Our first encounter was a mere few months after his brother and Swell Maps partner Epic Soundtracks passed away, and Nikki remained forever haunted by the loss. But still he went on making music. He returned with the reunited Jacobites a few years later for a short tour starting with a gig in Orange County. I let the band crash in my apartment and it was then that I experienced the brilliant clashings that was the relationship of Nikki and Dave - a twisting tornado of cigarettes, Jack Daniels and general chaos that blows through town and turns everything upside down. I caught up with them on their last tour date in Las Vegas and watched their show in amazement, discovering that despite all the squabbling, the two always managed to shine once they hit the stage with their contrasting harmonies and romantic visions.

Sudden came around to LA again a couple of times after that, by this time he’d collected a following of friends that allowed him to hold court even in the dinginess of a club like the Garage. Still dressed in his ornate suits and scarves, guitar by his side, drink in one hand and smoke in the other, it’s an image that will remain forever.

The official word on his death is still sketchy. Reportedly, he collapsed following a show at New York’s Knitting Factory, I’m sure Nikki went out the way he wanted, after sharing his songs with his legion of fans, and dressed to the nines. I’m sure he’s holding court in rock ‘n’ roll heaven right now. Rest in peace Nikki, we’ll miss you.

For more on Nikki Sudden, go to the official web site at www.nikkisudden.com

I’m going to switch gears here and get on to what else has been happening in LA. Read on…

While theatrical musicals are all the rage in London and New York, they rarely hit the big time in Los Angeles. One ambitious company, Luna C. Productions, decided to take a shot at cracking tinsel town by staging, Quad a musical tribute to the Who’s Quadrophenia the movie. Since I have a good deal of mod floating my blood, I had to go check it out. Set in mid ‘60s London, this all-song interpretation follows the film’s story of teenage Jimmy (played by Steven Shareaux) in the throes of wrestling with his hip crowd of sharp-dressed mods, duking it our with the rough ‘n’ tough rockers, dealing with his parents and pining for the girl he loves. With incredibly well-done stage production (featuring giant scooter rearview mirrors, riveting screen and lighting affects, and a mock version of the Who in the background), the production does a good job of capturing the spirit and look of the period. However, with the story told through song alone and no dialogue, the plotline is muddled and difficult to follow. A little scripting could make the story really shine. But I have to say, the true star of the show is Shareaux, who trades off vocals with the other characters throughout the performance but in the end, proves he can belt out the numbers with a stunning voice and stage presence that brought the crowd to its feet during the finale “Love, Reign O’er Me.” For any fan of the Who or the mod scene, this production is a must see. To find out about upcoming performances, check out the web site: www.quadtribute.com

I dropped by the MOCA Gallery in Pacific Design Center and was lucky enough to catch a short-film exhibit by South African artist William Kentridge whose quirky black & white films mix his drawings and himself into charming, fast-paced reels that may leave you scratching your head at their mind-boggling antics. On this particular Sunday, Kentridge was giving a lecture on his work in the Design Center’s screening room where he spoke of his inspirations both artistically and politically and how the two are often blurred. You can find out more about William Kentridge in his books and don’t miss him next time he is in town.

While Los Angeles is working towards having some sort of workable mass transit system that is actually convenient for everyone to use (here’s a suggestion, more stations so you don’t have to take the bus to get to your final destination!) I decided to check out a few of the available rides by hopping aboard the Metro Art Tour. With a free all day pass, a docent takes you station to station where you’ll learn the history behind the art design of each locale – such as the N. Hollywood station which features murals of area icons including Amelia Earhart and western clothing designer Nudie; the Hollywood and Vine station with its nod to filmmaking and the “Wizard of Oz”; and the Hollywood and Highland station with its voluptuous metal curves that are sexy yet modern. The tour is free and a fun way to spend your weekend morning. You may even discover a rail that will get you where you need to go. Check it out at: mta.net/about_us/metroart

Too tired or too broke to go out rockin’ the town? Then stay in and get your fix with Rock ‘n’ Roll TV, an online TV show brought to you by rockin’ couple Share Ross (of the bands Bubble and Vixen fame) and husband Bam (of Bubble and Dog D’Amour fame). You’ll catch some cool bands and see clips of recent gigs around town, catch interviews and candid moments backstage, get the low down on cool underground happenings such as what’s for sale at the bazaar bizarre, meet a chick who specializes in sex toys, and see Share get a new tattoo at the Vintage Tattoo Art Parlour! So curl up on the couch and stay in with: www.rocknrolltv.net

And while you’ve got a date with your computer, head on over to www.youtube.com where you can type in almost any band name and find someone has posted live footage of them. I’ve been having great fun digging up old Ramones footage, seeing promo clips of London’s death rock club The Batcave, and watching the notorious Sex Pistols interview on the Bill Grundy show! And if you never got a chance to see Nikki Sudden live, you’ll find him there as well. (youtube.com/watch?v=Qnaz56JdJG4). This site is downright addictive. See some great concerts – without ever leaving your house!

Sieze the day and rock it any way you can,
K.

January 19, 2006

Happy New Year! With all the holiday cheer the past couple of months, I took a little break from my column. But I’m BACK with lots to report from my adventures! First off, I managed to get in a little weekend getaway by cruising up to Solvang. This quaint village, nestled in the Central California Valley, is home to charming Dutch-style architecture and surrounded by some of the West Coast’s finest wine country. The area also served as the setting of the vino-loving characters in the movie “Sideways.” You can read all about my indulgence into the land of Dutch bakeries, knick-knack mania, and winery hopping HERE.

I did a little rockin’ at Kiss or Kill night at Zen Sushi on Sunset to check out Silver Needle with their agro pop and the Killdevils featuring Eden of Motorcycle Boy, Terri of Texas Teri’s band and Harry from the Cramps. The grooving crowd included members of Bubble, PissAnt and Juarez Crime Scene.

Boy Howdy! Ronnie Mack’s Barndance is back, kicking up its boots again! Now at El Cid in Silver Lake the 1^st Tues of every month, I hitched my wagon to a night with the Dime Box Band a band of purty ol’ gals from bands Cheap Chick and the Neptunas. Their sweet country sounds sent all the fellas a flutter as a good time was had by all. They were followed by the hearty country of Sam Mellon and the Skylarks and hosted by the tallest man in the music scene, Ronnie Mack who looks like he hasn’t aged one bit in the decades he’s been putting on roots rock showcases as various venues around Los Angeles. Nice to have you back Ronnie!

When you’ve got journalism in your blood, you can’t help but leap at newscasts of breaking stories, or check out work by well-known reporters. So I had to go to the Getty’s “Pictures for the Press” exhibit featuring stunning moments captured between 1944 and the mid-1970s including the D-Day invasion of France's Normandy coast in World War II, evacuation of Saigon, the assassination of John F. Kennedy and Lee Harvy Oswald

Next door, an exhibit “Scene of the Crime” by quintessential photojournalist, WeeGee gave a look at this Austria immigrant’s history-making work as he roamed the streets of the Lower East New York during the 30’s and 40s capturing gangsters, fires, murders and candid moments of New York life. Born Arthur Fellig, Weegee got his name for his uncanny ability to be the first on the scene, as if he had a Ouija Board.

These and other exhibits make the Getty a worthwhile trip. Check out upcoming events HERE and plan to spend the day there as the beautiful, European-inspired grounds, and magnificent views are a nice escape from the city.

I got stylish with a fashion show put on by the Art Deco Society featuring a priceless display of authentic antique pieces by Los Angeles-based designer Peggy Hunt. Collected and presented by Hunt’s granddaughter Jacqui Hyland, the showcase traced the history of Hunt’s designs including her glamorous lacework and illusion necklines of nude net-structured cocktail gowns of the ‘50s, through to swingin’ ‘60s. Her work became so popular in that era that it caught the attention of the movie industry which prompted her to design for starlets such as Bette Davis, Mary Pickford and Marlene Dietrich. All I can say is I need to go vintage gown shopping – those dresses were gorgeous!

The runway location of the El Rey Theatre also provided a special significance to the event as it is one of LA’s Art Deco Historical Landmarks. Hosts, the Art Deco Society of LA stressed the importance of preserving these cool buildings. I couldn’t agree more, especially after I recently passed by The Ambassador Hotel, the legendary former 1920’s hotel that once housed the famed Coconut Grove nightclub and the Academy Awards, as well as the site where Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1968, my heart saddened to see it is now being demolished. I realized LA is losing its character! Do what you can to preserve this city’s rich history and personality, check out a few organizations helping to save what’s left:

Art Deco Society of LA: www.adsla.org

LA Conservancy: www.laconservancy.org

ModCom: www.modcom.org

And if your New Year’s Resolution is to do some good in the world but you can’t afford to empty your wallet for the cause, don’t just Yahoo or Google next time you search the web, do a “Goodsearch!” Through this site (started by a brother and sister who lost their mother to cancer,) every time you search the net, you are giving to your favorite cause, which you choose. (Mine is the Lance Armstrong Foundation for Cancer Research and Patient Support.) Check out www.goodsearch.com and make this year a little better than last…

Get your kicks in 2006!

Though Johnny Thunders, Jerry Nolan, and Arthur Kane have all since passed on, the ever-charismatic presence of David Johansen and Sylvain Sylvain were enough to carry the band through all the classics (with a little help from former Hanoi Rocks bassist Sami Yaffa.) Lanky, gaunt David Johansen looked cooler for the wear of over 30 years of rockin’ as they turned Silver Lake into their own version of the lower east side with all the classics, "Trash," "Personality Crisis," and a touching tribute to their lost members with "Can’t Put Your Arms Around a Memory." I’m looking forward to their new record, due out on Roadrunner records next year.

I got my groove on when two of my favorite now-defunct clubs, Clubs Shout and Café Bleu, reformed for a one night stand at the El Rey Theatre with full playlist of shimmy-worthy mod and soul. It was a blast to see the sharp-dressed crowd with their dancing shoes on, and a row of tricked-out scooters outside as I worked myself into a fever to the sounds of Ike and Tina, the Who and the Jam. Who needs the gym when you can dance all night like this!

The Rocky Horror Picture Show celebrated its 30^th Anniversary at Hollywood Bowl which the largest audience participation screening in its history. I embraced my inner "Magenta" and headed down for the action.

Openers Louis XIV officially made their way to my top five bands of the year list with their cheeky, big stomp, sexed-up rock ‘n’ roll that reminds me of a mix of Sweet and Velvet Underground. While the daylight of the early show didn’t do them justice, especially with most of the crowd distracted by the parade of Frank N. Furters and stripped down Janets streaming into the Bowl, I would love to see them tear the roof of a smaller theater. Mistress of ceremonies Jane Wiedlin of the Go-Go’s did a cameo as a backup singer on "Finding Out True Love is Blind" before bringing a bit of naughty humor to her MC duties before the movie began.

I took the opportunity to run to the merch booth to grab a Rocky Horror prop bag for $1 that consisted of a newspaper for the rain scene, a bag of rice for the wedding scene, a couple of cards, confetti and more. But it wasn’t ammunition enough for those brought their own heavy duty props to make the rain scenes a little too realistic by shooting super soaker water guns and pelting everyone with Scott toilet papers and real toast. Dammit Janet! (By the way, if you have to ask what’s all about, you obviously haven’t been to audience participation "Picture Nights" at Midnight Madness, so get your butt down there!)

Thank goodness some of this city is keeping its kook flag flying, because lately I’ve been driving around Hollywood noticing the sea of Gaps, Bed Bath and Beyonds and Banana Republics, I never thought I’d see MY Hollywood follow the path of the rest of America and start to turn into one big mall! But it’s happening and I was shocked when I went to one of my favorite lingerie stores, Frederick’s of Hollywood for a naughty shopping excursion to find it moved from its notorious Hollywood Boulevard location down the street near the Highland intersection into the path of more tourist foot traffic (and car traffic for me, grrrr!)

The new Hollywood-based Frederick’s now matches its mall chain versions. Gone are the girly purple awnings out front and the fascinating lingerie museum inside stocked with sweet nothings of decades past worn by the women who put the va-va-voom on Hollywood’s big screen. Their collection that used to mix unique, show-stopping titillations with more practical styles, used to be the key to Frederick’s charm, now has a generic department store feel. Clearly they are trying to tame their risqué reputation in favor of a more mainstream-friendly image. All I can say is that is BORING!

So I turned for a fashion fix elsewhere by playing supermodel for a day when I was asked to pose for a book on knitting. Now, who knew this little craft could ever be considered cool but put a couple of crochet needles in the hands of Bubble’s lead vixen Share Ross, and you have some way-out handy work! With her new label Punk Knits, Share’s not only making rockin’ gear for the masses, she got a book deal to show off her wearables. Look for the book, which will feature other local rockers including Coyote Shivers, Texas Terri, Blair Bitch, Pam Neptuna and others, due out in 2006.

(Punk Knits photo by Bam. Kastle is modeling "Faithfull's Gauntlets" knit arm warmers, named after Marianne Faithfull from the upcoming book "Punk Knits" published by Stewart, Tabori & Chang, due in bookstores Fall 2006.)

Finally, I joined some of my rocking pals at the Dragonfly to mourn the loss of our friend J.D. Terziu who was killed in car crash on August 21st. As Dragonfly co-owner and partner with Taime Downe in the long-running and fun-filled Pretty Ugly Club, J.D. was the type of guy everyone loved to say hello to. Every Wednesday I could count on seeing him at the soundboard, a smile on his face, distributing a roll of drink tickets to his friends, enjoying the bands, and wishing everyone a good time. He was someone you always looked forward to seeing. To celebrate his life and friendship, bands Faster Pussycat, Motochrist, Coyote Shivers and others rekindled the Pretty Ugly fire for a tribute to a true rock ‘n’ roll spirit. He will be terribly missed.

It’s summertime in the city and I got to take a mini-summer vacation by jetting off to New York City for a quick long weekend where I got lucky with the "Sex and the City" tour, got wicked with "Wicked", visited Joey Ramone Place, played fashionista with Chanel, and relaxed in Central Park in some perfect-for-walking weather. See more on my trip HERE.

We had our own taste of New York in LA when scribe Steven Blush came to Book Soup to read from his latest book ".45 Dangerous Minds," a collection of the most intense interviews from his famous underground magazine, "Seconds." Steven has long been a fixture on the music scene and I first met him after the release of "American Hardcore: A Tribal History," his definitive book on the testosterone-laden, post-punk thrash movement. Pick up his latest, which features outrageous quotes from Ron Jeremy, Ed "Big Daddy" Roth, Allen Ginsberg, Wayne Kramer, David Bowie and more.

Another New Yorker, artist Basquiat, has been packing them in at MOCA recently with select paintings from his a brief six-year career before a drug overdose took him in 1988. The exhibit spans his work that evolved from graffiti art to endearing, if-not-obsessive, displays of pop art that reflects his love of jazz and boxing, and his concern for African-American issues, as well as his much talked about work with Andy Warhol. Take the curator-led tour to get a real feel for where Basquiat was coming from and don’t miss the rare interview footage screening downstairs.

I became a punk rock couch potato while the Indie Film Channel aired Punk Rock Week with such gems as "Sid and Nancy," "The Filth and the Fury" and the crown jewel debut of Don Letts’ "Punk Attitude," featuring fantastic then and now footage and interviews with the pioneers of punk including Siouxsie, Paul Simonon, Legs McNeil, Jello Biafra and more. I have to say, watching how anger over the social political climate of the ‘70s spawned musicians to make their stand with music, led me to thinking, with our world such a mess today — where’s our movement? Anyone? Anyone? Long live punk rock!

Another punk worthy film release is Iggy Pop’s latest live DVD, "Live at the Avenue B," which screened at Knitting Factory. I have to say hands down, the Iggy show at the El Rey a few years back was one my top three concerts of all time. It was great to see someone capture the spirit of his 1999 show in Belgium and watching it on the big screen was almost like being there (I repeat, almost!)

I was lucky enough to be invited to rock out to Billy Idol (thank you Budgie!) for a sold-out, two-hour set, "undiluted by an opening act" as stated on the Wiltern Theatre web site. And it was full of Idol’s classic bravado, raunchy gestures and fist pumping action with all the hits from his ‘80s heyday including "Dancing With Myself," "Flesh For Fantasy" as well as a few memories as he announced, "Picture this - it's 1982, I’m in the Danceteria, and I'm f*cking Madonna…" just before belting out "White Wedding." Ah the memories! But I have to say, his new material was just as smokin’ as was his look — pushing age 50 with a full head of spiky blond locks, rock star swagger, and lean, ripped body, which he seemed to enjoy showing off to the ladies. "Ready, Steady Go" indeed!

When I wasn’t out ‘n’ about, I spent much of July tracking the Tour de France and watching Lance Armstrong "living strong" every moment. After being turned on to cycling last year, not only do I love watching the beauty of the athletes racing through the spectacular European scenery, but I’m just thrilled watching Lance thrive following his battle with cancer. And he didn’t just survive; he did something to help others. I’ve utilized his LiveStrong web site because my own family has been stricken by this horrific disease, and the support it supplies is priceless. If you or your loved ones are battling cancer, go to www.livestrong.org and take control. Thank you Lance — you rule!

Since hearing their self-title album about a year ago, New Orleans rockers Supagroup have been on regular rotation in my car stereo. So I had to go check them out with they came around Spaceland, with their hair flailing, guitar slinging AC/DC inspired garage rock that got the crowd revved up, though it was a modest attendance, probably due to the mid-week, late-night time slot. It got me thinking more people should know about this band – they're worth losing sleep for!

I got an exciting peek into a historical landmark when I attended at writer's party at the famous Friar's Club in Beverly Hills. Known for their infamous celebrity roasts and holding a private membership roster of such notables as George Burns, Frank Sinatra, Steven Allen, Carl Reiner, Bing Crosby, Red Buttons and more, this posh place pays homage to them with a lux lounge loaded with enormous shrine-like framed portraits throughout. While we drank martinis in the "Milton Berle Bar," regular members came dressed in their finest to dine on the Monday night buffet in the private dining room. I managed to sneak upstairs to find a hallway of framed photos celebrating the famous roasts with timeless images of luminaries such as Bob Hope, Connie Stevens, Jimmy Stewart Liza Minnelli, Don Rickles and Barbara Eden. I also poked my head into the private card room where a group of seniors from the old school comedy world were smoking cigars and playing poker.

I went back to my own rockin' roots to take in the Mick Rock Photography Exhibit at the Lo-Fi Gallery. Exquisite photos of my idols such as Bowie, Iggy, The Ramones, Debbie Harry, and Johnny Rotten lined this tiny gallery and it was truly awesome to see them up close and bigger than life. Known as "the man who shot the '70s," Mick Rock's career started with Bowie in 1972 and continued to define the genre of live and studio rock photography. If you missed the show, you can see more of his work on his web site: www.mickrock.com

I got my earthy, crunchy organic groove on for Memorial Day weekend at the Topanga Days Festival. Peace, love and good times were the vibe for this three-day fair held up in the blissful hills of Topanga Canyon with a variety of vendors courting hippie style garb, jewelry, all natural beauty products and more. Plus, the music was non-stop with a collection of folk and blue grass bands and an enthusiastic crowd of square-dancing moshers. That's a new one!

I stayed up late to "Feel the Shake" at the "Hollywood Rocks" record release party at the Key Club. Celebrating the collection put together by Cleopatra Records, the label known for its nod to '80s metal and goth formed by former band manager and one-time Vinyl Fetish co-owner Brian Perera, "Hollywood Rocks" is a 4-disc box set celebrating a decade of one of LA's most famous rock scenes. The early '80s disc features acts such as Hollywood Rose, Candy and the Joneses. The mid '80s disc features acts such as Poison, LA Guns, Rock City Angels and Seahags. The late '80s disc features bands such as Junkyard, Salty Dog and Bang Tango. And the early '90s disc features acts such as Electric Angels, Saigon Saloon and Darling Cruel.

I'm proud to say I saw most of those bands "back in the day" and it was an amazing time in LA. It was great fun to relive a little taste of that with the party featuring reunions by Blackboard Jungle, Fizzy Bangers, The Zeros, Spiders & Snakes, Odin and the gems of the night, Jetboy, who looked amazing and sounded fantastic. Frontman Mickey Finn had freshly shaved bleach blond mohawk just as he did in the band's 1988 hey day and took off his shirt to reveal and ultra-fit bod and full ab tattoo on his six-pack. Whoa! Nice to see the rockers aging well! And while we partying like it was 1989, it was also good fun to see there are still those in the crowd sporting the big teased black hair and studded belt look.

(Supagroup, Topanga Days Festival and Jetboy photos by Kastle, Huntington Gardens photos courtesy of the Huntington Gardens web site, Bowie by Mick Rock from the Mick Rock web site.)

A few nights later we all gathered at the Avalon for a LA Fashion Week show featuring Junker Clothing with a rowdy assortment of rock 'n' roll models dolled up in Junker's post apocalyptic, dirty biker-style fashions. Later, Yana returned to the Big Apple only to sadly report that Tony & Tina Cosmetics will be closing its doors. It was fun while it lasted – best of luck Yana!

Legendary glam and drag hotspot club Makeup returned for one night only to celebrate the release of "Dynasty" on DVD. Promoter Joseph Brooks "put the band back together" so to speak with the Makeup regulars onstage for a night of '80s covers including Momma, Candyass, Jackie Beat, Alexis Arquette, Constance and standout performances by Mz. Alanna and Jack Atlantis. While the crowd included only a handful of the outrageous party-loving revelers who frequented Makeup during its peak a few years ago, the place filled up with a colorful collection of rockers, trendies, drag queens and those who just wanted to relive the '80s one more time.

I got my intellectual fix with the local hip lit. scene and a couple of trips down to the new Dutton's Bookstore in Beverly Hills, first for the Black Clock Magazine reading featuring host Bruce Bauman and writers David Ulin and Rachel Resnick and next for quintessential LA writer Steve Erickson reading from his latest, "Our Ecstatic Days."

While there, I picked up one of the 33 1/3 books, the collection of mini rock 'n' roll memoirs that capture that pure spirit of the way music influences your formative years. I promptly went home and blasted through "Let It Be," Colin Melory's memories of growing up an insecure nerd in Montana fed by music from the Replacements. I love it so much I'm the process of gobbling up the whole series. Pick one up and remember how rock 'n' roll saved your soul!

I zipped up my go-go boots and headed over to Spaceland to catch the Gore Gore Girls, Detroit's tough '60s lovin' mamas who dress in matching fringed mini dresses and white patent leather go-go boots and tear it up with Motown girl group-inspired punk and don't mess with us attitude. Later, Japanese popsters Shonen Knife packed the house with their cutesy Asian-style pop punk. While there I stopped at Heidi Richman's Beauty Booth and sprinkled on a little pink body glitter. Talk about a Ladies Night! You go-go grrrls!

Speaking of '60s style, I was excited to go check out the theater production of "Shag with a Twist" at the Los Angeles Theatre Center downtown, featuring the groovy art of Shag turned into a musical play. Now I'm big fan of Shag's work so I was curious how they would turn his hep cat characters into a live performance. I was happy to see it was pulled off convincingly with the help of giant toon-ish wigs and over-the-top attire. However, the play, which consisted of an entire cast of actors/dancers from the San Pedro City Ballet interpreting the murder-mystery storyline through animated expressions, dance and a groovy ultra-lounge soundtrack, began to fall flat about midway through. I think it really needed dialogue to bring the entertainment value home. But if you're a Shag fan, it's a must see, if only for the visual appeal and the scene of hipsters in attendance grooving to the sounds of DJ Senor Amore in the lobby. The play runs through June 11. For more info go to the web site HERE.

Since falling in love with Europe last year on my trip to London and Paris (see report HERE), I managed to find a little bit of France right here in LA when I stumbled across the Figaro Bistrot in Los Feliz. Done up with exquisite style and intimacy, this place feels as Parisian as it gets. Serving breakfast to dinner, it's a place to indulge in delicious pastries and hearty meals with traditional baguettes and elegant service. If you can't make it to Paris, you'll get briefly transported at the Figaro Bistrot Boulangerie!

For a sugar fix, I checked out Boule Pâtisserie on La Cienega Boulevard, which features gorgeous, mouthwatering Pâtisserie (pastries/cakes), Viennoiserie (croissants, brioche, scones etc.), Glacerie (ice cream & sorbets), Confiserie (chocolates/candy) and Traiteur (gourmet sandwiches) made like works of art, and presented in beautifully wrapped packaging. The shop recently opened a across the street from Sona Restaurant and features the same award winning chef, Michelle Myers, who says her goal for the shop is, "to capture the traditions and ambiance of the Parisian pâtisserie and to reintroduce this concept in a contemporary mode." Indeed! Stop by for some decadent, euro-inspired, delights!

In true hot rod fashion, Blessing of the Cars founder Gab Baltierra had a rock 'n' roll "Shriners and Show Girls" themed birthday bash at El Cid. The cavernous Mexican restaurant on Sunset's Silverlake Strip has been an underground rock watering hole for years, so it was an appropriate setting for his crowd of '50s lovin' greasers and dames. Members of the Blacktop Bombers classic car club made the scene and luscious ladies dressed up in Vegas-worthy plumage escorted Gab's male pals dressed in the requested red fez hats. Champagne Velvet rocked the house with singer Country Joe shimmying and hiccupping on the mike.

Just for laughs, I checked out a night of sketch comedy at the famous Groundlings Theatre – the one place in LA where they have a license to be shamelessly silly for two hours a night! I'm proud to say I'm a former student of the Groundlings (and loved every minute of it) and it was a blast to see the teacher who helped me get my jollies out, Jeremy Rowley, do his thing on stage with a cast of seasoned performers who give their all to make people laugh at every show. This month they celebrate their 30th Anniversary with a sketch comedy collection titled "The 30th Anniversary Box Set Vol. 1," which mixes their skits with rock 'n' roll intermissions. This intimate theatre packs 'em in with sold-out shows every weekend as it is known for churning out some of comedy's icons including Phil Hartman, Paul Rubens, Will Ferrell, Julia Sweeney, Jon Lovitz, and many who made it to the cast of "Saturday Night Live."

I caught up with rock photographer pal Greg Watermann, who proudly autographed his latest work, "From the Inside: Linkin Park's Meteora," a book that gives a stunning visual presentation of Linkin Park onstage as well as candid behind the scenes moments with commentary penned by notable Rolling Stone Magazine reporters David Fricke and Steve Baltin. As the band's principle photographer, Watermann was able to capture some moments truly suitable for framing. If you're a fan of the band, pick one up, it's a nice conversation piece for your rock 'n' roll coffee table.

My hour-long morning commute has been made much more tolerable thanks to radio station indie 103.1 fm who just put Mighty Mighty Bosstones singer Dicky Barrett in charge of the "Mighty Morning Show." The show consists of Barrett's distinctive bad boy east coast accent, full on punk rock, great humorous inside gossip on the hardcore scene, and my favorite, "Tat Tuesdays" with tattoo artists such as Mark Mahoney buzzing in the background while laying down some ink. It rocks me up before going into the corporate world. Thanks Dicky! You can check it online from wherever you are through the indie 103.1 web site HERE

Speaking of work, when I'm not researching fun places for my Cool Grrrls column, I'm a copywriter for Jafra Cosmetics, sampling and scribing on a full line of high quality skin care, luxury in-home spa products and rich, bold makeup colors (great for stage wear for you rock stars!) Not sold in stores, it's only available through exclusive representatives – like me! So if you are a cosmetics lover, contact me for a FREE catalog, samples and special offers. I'll give you my personal recommendations for the yummiest lotions and products that are the next best thing to the fountain of youth! I love to keep all my cool girls out there lookin' good!

Speaking of old glamour days, I dropped in on the Hollywood History Museum, which reopened last year in the Max Factor tower on Highland. Talk about a grrrl's dream come true! Almost the entire first floor of this three-story museum is dedicated to the make-up wizardry of Max Factor with his color strategies and rooms just for Blondes, Redheads and Brownettes. The museum's cosmetics tribute rooms are packed with photos and personal makeup cases owned by such glamour-pusses as Rita Hayworth, Ginger Rogers, Lucille Ball, Bette Davis and more! The rest of the museum is chock full of Hollywood film memorabilia including a large collection of personal items and dresses owned by Marilyn Monroe, a Bob Hope exhibit, costumes worn by Elizabeth Taylor and Betty Grable, set props from such films as "Pee-wee's Big Adventure," "It's a Mad, Mad World," "Moulin Rouge," and so much more. My favorite exhibit was an entire room filled with black and white photos of old Hollywood and stars frolicking at hot spots on the Sunset Strip. The whole museum does beautiful justice to Hollywood's best side! Makes me wanna go buy a Marilyn coffee mug in a cheesy souvenir shop!

While we're on the subject of Marilyn, I got my dirty grrrl fix my stepping into the Erotic Museum across the street where they honor the naughty in all of us. One of the first displays is a Marilyn film screening -- but we're not talking "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes." Rather, it's a grainy blue movie of a pre-glamour Ms. Monroe in some explicit sex scenes. After that sufficient fluffer, I moved on to the rest of the museum where I found the sex Hall of Fame with framed portraits of such icons as Sigmund Freud and Dr. Ruth, a collection of 1960s Varga watercolors that led to the "Stairway to Hef" with glass cases filled with the pipe, smoking jacket and slippers of my hero Hugh Hefner along with, of course, an official Playboy Bunny corset and ears outfit. Upstairs, rotating exhibits continue the tease 'n' please as this visit educated me on porn in the Valley and sex gadgets throughout history. Stop by if you're feeling "in the mood!"

But if you're just itching to get out of town, you don't have to go far to find paradise. Just outside of LA is Big Bear where I went in time for the season's first snow. With everything covered in white, we took lazy strolls through the center of this quaint ski resort where virtually every shop and hotel incorporates the bear symbol - "Mama Bear's Pharmacy," "Bear Manor Motel" with little wooden bear sculptures everywhere. It was utterly charming! We went on exploring with a relaxing walk around Big Bear Lake where breathtaking views of snow-blanketed mountains are humbling for this city grrrl. We visited the local zoo to see the natural wildlife including the trademark grizzlies (they're enormous!) the magnificent snow leopard, a bald eagle and my favorite, the mountain lion who was so awesomely gorgeous I wanted to take her home to give my cat a playmate! Then we hunkered down in our cabin for the night as a storm moved in and Jack Frost worked his magic to continue the beauty of the area in the wintertime. For anyone looking for a weekend getaway to remind you just how stunning California is, I highly recommend a visit to Big Bear country!

And no Cool Grrrls report would complete without a little rock 'n' roll. For LA lovers, I have to recommend a CD I recently got in the mail by German band the Targets, whose song "When LA Died" is a tribute to LA's great late '80s glam metal bands and clubs. Check them out at www.the-targets.com

Back in LA, there was plenty going on the past month. Starting with my ol’ pal Stevie D. who resurrected his lounge act to play at the Echo Park restaurant Taix. With his classic suited-up style that mixes Nick Cave, Elvis and Harry Connick Jr., Stevie D. goes best with a strong martini and a room full of sophisticated rocker pals. Plus, he never fails to add a touch of dry wit to lighten up the night. And by the way, Happy Birthday fellow Libra!

For those who’ve ever had to contend with a psychotic ex lover, there’s comfort in knowing there just might be someone out there who can top your nutcase stories. For former Wall of Voodoo frontman/ White Trash Wins Lotto creator Andy Prieboy, his experiences turned into a book contract as he teamed up with his current love match, author and Emmy-winner Merrill Markoe, to get their own form of relationship closures by putting pen to paper and turning all their past mistakes into a light-hearted game of self-deprecation. They recently released the novel "The Psycho Ex Game," and appeared for a book party reading at Border’s in Santa Monica. While the book is labeled "fiction," it is suspiciously close to the author’s own resumes and good for a laugh. They closed the night with Andy at the keyboards belting a out a few numbers from his popular musical WTWL including my personal fave, "Mansion Full of Pussy and Drugs." Now that’s what I call a night of intellectual rock ‘n’ roll!

I got my rocks off a couple of weeks later with the band S’Cool Girls, who are aren’t girls at all, but a bunch of glammed out guys from S. Cali and Sweden who do it up as big as their platforms will take them with an infectious dose of glittery party rock transfused directly from the veins of such glam icons as Sweet, Bay City Rollers and Slade. Following their record release party at Star Shoes, the Girls took part in the Intravenous records party at Spaceland. Even though they went on at nearly 1 am, they managed to wake up the audience and turn the place into their own "Rock ‘N’ Roll Discotek," inspiring people to join the band at front of the stage to dance and bop to their utlra-spirited glam anthems and fun-loving stage presence. (I personally think it was singer Noah’s skin tight glittery body suit that did it!) Out of sight!

And I got the perfect treat for Halloween when Alice Cooper came through town playing in the cool open air of the Greek Theater. With a backing band that included local icons guitarist Ryan Roxie and bassist Chuck Garruc. Nice thing about an Alice show is knowing you’re gonna get all the classic props every time — the top hat, the snake, the canes, the straight jacket. We love it! This time he even added a few "Westside Story"-style gang fights on stage and his teenage daughter to bring a little jailbait sex appeal to the stage, which was only topped by Alice’s introduction of her with a shout of "put some clothes on!" For his pre-election finale, Alice busted out an American Flag for the all too appropriate, "Elected." Alice for President!

I can’t think of two things that go better together than Vespa Scooters and rock ‘n’ roll, so it was only fitting that the Vespa store should have a party with local bands to treat their guests including ‘70s-pop inspired Flair. And I have to say, they looked mightly groovy playing with a backdrop of blown up photos of ‘60s-style mod hipsters on scooters!

And finally, looking for the perfect holiday gift? One of my all-time favorite singers, Rod Stewart, has a couple of great ways to stuff your stockings. If you missed his show with pal Ronnie Wood a the Hollywood Bowl over the summer, pick up the beautifully packaged Faces anthology "Five guys walk into a bar…" for a complete dose of the band that started it all as the rollicking rockers are captured on four CDs and an exceptional booklet. For a taste of how Rod has grown up, pick up his recent 3-CD "American Songbook" collection with covers of classic standards and Rod’s signature edgy vocals.

I caught the set by Johnny's pal, Rooney singer Robert Carmine before I wandered upstairs to find glass cases filled with a coveted collection of Ramones memorabilia put together by the band's long-time art director Arturo Vega. After catching up with fellow scribe Lina Lecaro and "Rock N Roll High School" director Allan Arkush, we raced back downstairs to witness a set by the Red Hot Chili Peppers who put out an utterly impressive performance. Not so impressive was Pete Yorn whose voice didn't exactly fit the Ramones style of belting it out, but props to him anyway for the tribute. Between sets a big screen rolled out clips of Ramones videos, photos and documentaries that had the audience more fixated on the footage than socializing. The place really heated up when Marky Ramone and Rancid's Tim Armstrong came out, followed by a surprisingly brilliant performance by Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder. The grand finale was clearly marked by an appearance by Sex Pistol/indie DJ Steve Jones and Henry Rollins who led the crowd through a ultra-energized set including "Blitzkrieg Bop" and a rowdy audience chant of "Hey Ho Let's Go!"

The show was a touching and lively tribute to a band that changed rock 'n' roll forever, even if they never realized it in the moment. For those who couldn't make the show, be sure to check the recently released documentary, "End of the Century: The Story of the Ramones," directed by Jim Fields, which traces the band's roots and influence with classic footage and candid interviews from Ramones members and circle of friends and family including Arturo Vega, former manager Danny Fields "Please Kill Me" co-author Legs McNeil, Joey Ramone's brother Mickey Leigh, punk peers Blondie, the Clash and many more.

When living in a tourist destination such as Los Angeles, we tend to become numb to our surroundings and everything this city has to offer. But on one particularly hot LA night, I rediscovered gorgeous Malibu for a sunset dinner at Paradise Cove Cafe. Located on the famous surfer's beach that once served as a set to movies and television shows, including "Gidget," "Beach Blanket Bingo," and "Malibu Run," it's a true pearl of Los Angeles living. Have a café cocktail outside at wooden tables, literally on the beach, and wiggle your toes in the sand as sun worshippers frolic in the water, or dine on ultra-fresh seafood with a picture perfect sunset view. After dinner, the beach area around the restaurant is perfect for a romantic stroll and snuggle as one of the few places in Hollywood where you have a crystal clear view of the stars — the ones in the sky that is!

Speaking of stars, I recently got the new solo CD from Tommy Stinson, "Village Gorilla Head." The former bassist for the brat pop icons the Replacements and former bassist for the ever-procrastinating Axl Rose and his new GNR project (now almost 10 years in the works!), Stinson finally returned to his own singing and songwriting and continues to display his impressive talents. Harking back to his 1993 Bash and Pop release (one of my all-time favorite albums), Stinson again delivers his knack for infectious pop hooks, endearing self-depreciating lyrics, and wearing his heart on his plaid suit sleeve. He's been making the rounds playing live including a recent show at Spaceland, check out his web site for

upcoming dates in your area: www.tommystinson.com

I had a rollicking night of fun down in LA's theater district when I caught one of the final performances of "Hairspray" the lively musical, based on the film by John Waters. Filled with music and some great comic moments, especially with actor Bruce Vilanch as Edna Turnblad, and a high-energy cast, including lead Marissa Jaret Winokur as Tracy Trunblad, the play was filled with great and poignant moments. I had a smile on my face the entire show, especially watching the groovin' '60s dance numbers and steal-worthy fashion looks from my favorite era.

If you missed Hairspray's festive run in LA, catch it on Broadway in NYC or view scenes online at "www.hairsprayonbroadway.com"

And finally...

Are you pissed off about the war? Are you taking the risk of going without health insurance? Are you struggling because you can't find a decent job? Don't bitch, do something about it and VOTE! Get registered, get involved, make a donation to the candidate that supports your views. It's the few minutes out of your day that CAN make a difference!

It's time for a change to make the Whitehouse "cool" again. Deadline for voter registration in California ends October 18 and Election Day is November 2. Get out there and "Rock the Vote!"

August is summer vacation month and I took mine by going international for the first time! With a visit to London and Paris I saw the scenes I've only seen in the movies – from the Eiffel Tower and Champs Élysées in Paris to double-decker red buses, Abbey Road and Buckingham Palace in London, you can read all about the adventures of a CoolGrrrl in Europe HERE!

I didn't have to include Sweden on my trip because Swedish rock came to me in LA this month. I'll start with a Cool Grrrls fave: the Backyard Babies. I went to the Troubadour to meet my Cool Grrrls comrades publisher Frank, and fellow columnist Sabine, who was visiting from Germany and interviewed the band earlier that afternoon. The venue filled to sold-out capacity as the Babies took the stage to play to longtime fans as well as industry execs who were checking out the band's worthiness of a US deal (I think this show was proof they rock!) The Babies remind me of a mix between D' Generation and Social Distortion with a Swedish twist, though they were only allowed to play for 50 minutes as this gig was technically considered a "showcase." It's been four long years since the Babies hit LA and there was no doubt the crowd was amped would have stayed to see the band and sing along with them all night.

You can check out the interview with the Backyard Babies HERE.
And be sure to read Sabine's "Chicks Rule" column HERE.

Music magazine darlings, The Hives blasted through town again to live up to their new title as "best live band." Dressed in their trademark white suits, skinny ties and spats, the Hives blazed through songs off their smash hit album "Veni Vidi Vicious," as well as new tracks off the recently release "Tyrannosaurus Hives" (which, in my opinion is just as good if not better than their previous CD.) Ever-charismatic singer Howlin' Pelle Almqvist egged on his audience with all his pomp and bravado, taunting them, "You can throw stuff at us, you can yell at us, but you can't stop us from giving you the best show of our lives!" And that they did!

For openers, the Hives brought fellow Swedes, Sahara Hotnights, an all-girl band that proves chicks rock! A toughened up version of the Donnas and more modern than the Runaways, the Hotnight grrrls backed their pumping CD, "Kiss and Tell," which has had me rockin' in my car the past few weeks. Though the girls image is more of tomboys than sexpots, dressed in jeans and t-shirts, it is drummer, Josephine Forsman, who is the real scene-stealer of their show. With a fan blowing her long blonde hair like she's in a music video, she slams on the skins while taking command between beats as well. I even overheard some girls in the bathroom commenting, "That drummer is amazing, I want to be like HER!" You go grrrls!

In gearing up for my trip to London, I checked out two documentaries on my all-time favorite group, the Clash. First, Dickie Rude's film, "Let's Rock Again," screened at the LA Film School. Focusing on the last years in the life of the late, great Joe Strummer, Rude had rare access to Strummer as a close friend and filmmaker, in capturing him in candid moments trying to keep his career gong some 20 years following the Clash's demise. We not only get a peek at some great backstage footage of fans telling Strummer how he changed their lives, as well as live shots that prove what a powerhouse performer he was, but also some break-your-heart humbling moments of Strummer literally knocking on the doors of radio stations hoping to come in and convince them to play his new single. The film is a great honor to Strummer who is dearly missed. For more on the film, go to Dickie Rude's web site: www.dickrude.biz

A week later, director Don Letts' documentary, "The Clash: Westway to the World" played to a sold out crowd at the Arclight. Originally released in 2000, Westway tells what really happened during the Clash's rise and fall in the form of oral history interviews with all four members of the band recounting early shows around London, their surprising chart topping success, Topper's substance abuse, and the band's eventual implosion. For those who missed the screening,

Westway is available on DVD with extra footage of the "Clash on Broadway" and a photo gallery.

Clash fans should also check out the special 25th anniversary digipack release of "London Calling" coming out Sept. 20. Go to www.westwaytotheworld.com for the essential Clash.

Another film had me rockin' in the movie theater when I checked out the Metallica documentary, "Some Kind of Monster." Chronicling the band through the making of their recent album "St. Anger," we follow the 20-year vets of headbanging as they go through exercises that mark them as no longer reckless heavy metal youths, but hardcore adults trying to juggle being fathers to their own children, the very real issues of substance abuse, controlling personalities and seeking group therapy. Though it's a bit like two hours of watching your dysfunctional parents squabble, storm out of the room and make up again, it's an honest, bare knuckle, behind the music look at a group of musicians who must take their dominate, creative personalities and cope with being in an intense, long-lasting relationship. It's a good lesson for anyone

looking to make a career in this crazy biz called music.

Speaking of headbanging...I stopped by the Roxy for Metal Skool night -- now that it has relocated from the Viper Room -- to check out my pal Coyote Shivers for his record release party. While DJ (and Faster Pussycat/Newlydeads frontman) Taime Downe rocked the crowd from the booth -- and proves he's still able to draw lustful looks from all the metal chicks in attendance --Coyote soon took the stage with his ever-present lineup of Casper on guitar and Chad on drums to churn out songs for his upcoming 2 CD set that includes crowd pleasers such as "Plus One", "Sugarhigh" and "It's All Over." He was followed by mock-rock house band Metal Skool (aka Metal Shop, aka Danger Kitty) who offered up their usual hilarious dose of posing and covering hits from Poison, Van Halen, Ratt and Warrant. And we had a "Stars in Bars" moment when we spotted Keanu Reeves laying low in a back booth while keen-eyed girls "casually" strolled past the actor who was dressed down and scruffy for a night of rockin'.

Summer is the time for travel and I had the opportunity to be quite a jet setter when I zoomed up to Toronto for a quick weekend to attend the Much Music Awards. As Canada's version of MTV, they don't skimp on fan fair in celebrating the bands that make the channel happen. Set up in a canopied parking lot outside the station's headquarters, it was absolute mayhem with the streets flooded with eager music lovers hoping to get a glimpse of their favorite star. Inside, the set up was more party than show with no seating and crush of people so tight it was a good thing everybody was fashionably thin!

As we wandered through the crowd sipping on free cocktails and nibbling on finger foods, acts such as the Beastie Boys, Hilary Duff and Hoobastank rocked the stage. We did manage to spot a few notables in the crowd, namely Shaun Morgan from the band Seether whose girlfriend Amy Lee (pictured) was performing with her band Evanescence. Also one of my faves, Justin Hawkins of the Darkness turned up sporting a headful of waist-long hair extensions – and he seemed to be behind me every time I turned around. Hmmmm.

Afterwards, we cooled down from the madness by sneaking out for a quiet nightcap at the Roof Lounge of Toronto's Park Hyatt Hotel, where the 18th floor view of the city was enough to sweep me off my feet and I ordered what must be the yummiest concoction on earth – the Chocolate Cake Martini. I was on top of the world for sure while drinking this! It's so good I had to write it down to share with you:

Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur
Dark Crème de Cacao
Kahlua
Top with a couple of raspberries
Serve in one very large martini glass and dig in!

During the day, I did get a chance to do a little sightseeing Canada-style and strolled through charming Yorkville where the streets are lined with quaint eateries and designer boutiques and I discovered the people of Toronto are ever so stylish, from well-groomed lasses and metrosexuals to Avril Lavigne wanna-bes and neo-punks with mohawks.

That must be why they decided to open the Bata Shoe Museum in the area. As a Grrrl, it is my duty to be drawn to the well-heeled, so I stopped in to discover the history of the shoe, get a glance at designers from Ferragamo to Fluevog, examine the soles of stars such as Pablo Picasso's zebra-striped booties, Elvis' two-tone patent leathers, Madonna's beaded burgundy platforms (pictured) and Shaquille O'Neil's GIGANTIC sneakers. Plus, an entire floor dedicated to the art of the moccasin for the Paths Across the Plains exhibit. Who knew!

And from Canada to Italy, I got an eyeful with a screening of "La Dolce Vita" for the Fellini Film Festival at the Egyptian Theater. The classic three-hour epic from Fellini's circus eye view gave a good dose of life in fabulous 1960's Rome. Though I have to respect this classic filmmaker, the movie itself proved a bit exhausting – enough to need a pick-me-up at the adjacent Pig N Whistle Restaurant afterward to discuss, "what the hell did we just watch?"

You can challenge your own love of movie art with regular film festivals courtesy of the American Cinematheque, a non-profit, viewer-supported cultural organization dedicated to moving pictures. Visit their web site: egyptiantheatre.com for this month's features including: "Elementary, My Dear Watson" Sherlock Holmes on film, July 2 - 4, with four nights of some of the best adaptations of Arthur Conan Doyle's famous novels and legendary characters. Also running through August 3rd is "Can't Stop the Musicals" featuring musicals from the 1970s & '80s with such classics as "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "Lisztomania" starring The Who's Roger Daltrey.

I dropped into the Key Club on the Sunset Strip for er, a little stripping with the Bollywood Follies. The show features a tantalizing mix of songs from the '60s and '70s Bollywood films of India, exotic burlesque dance from local fave Kitten DeVille, wacky standup from comedian Blaine Capatch, DJ extraordinaire Senor Amor and mind-blowing male dancer Karis, all backed by the 13-piece Bombay Rhythm Connection and co-starring founder and Lucha VaVoom hottie Rita D'Albert.

Things got a little more sophisticated downtown when I was finally able to see the inside of the awe-inspiring Disney Hall for a performance by the LA Philharmonic led by famed conductor Robert Spano. With its soaring vaulted ceilings, smooth blonde wood, and supreme acoustics, you can hear every note of LA's renowned orchestra and I have to say the Disney Hall must be the sexiest venue in the world, as beautiful inside as out. Make an evening of it – and get some culture in ya!

Well, I'll admit, I've fallen behind in my reports. Spring is in the air, the flowers are in bloom and man, it's been hot! Even a lovely weekender to beautiful Santa Barbara wasn't enough to help me beat the heat around here. But here's all the latest to keep you cool:

Holding true to the motto of "the Girls' Guide to All that Grooves," Cool Grrrls hosted a bash along Hollywood Boulevard to celebrate the

release of the 2nd Cool Grrrls Compilation CD.

Gathering at the Thursday night hot spot known as Thunder Pussy, the Cool Grrrls Party featured a lineup that included Switchblade Kitten, spunky punk pop tarts The Randies, brazen rockers Blare Bitch Project and San Francisco's glamsters The Substitutes.

The crowd consisted of local luminaries such as Coyote Shivers, Eden Knevel, Motochrist's Marc Diamond and Danny Nordahl, Teenicide's Jim Freek, Cheap Trick Pam, Josi K. of Piss Ant, director Allan Arkush, and Susan Hyatt of Stimulator (whose new CD is awesome by the way!) And while cocktails flowed and the bands were rockin', the big talk of the night was the Cool Grrrls gift bag with outstanding swag including a Bleeding Edge Goth Doll and KinderGoth stuffed animals, Lucky 13 tank tops, a Cool Grrrls CD, Tony & Tina essential oil perfume, stickers from Punk Rock skateboards, and a Unit F CD.

A big thanks to publisher Frank for organizing the event and Taime Downe and Ricky Vodka for being our hottie hosts for the night! You can read more about it in Frank's Cool Grrrls report HERE.

The start of summer marks the start of concert season. I checked out a couple worth noting. First, Cooper Temple Clause, broody alternative pop by a six-piece of pretty English lads. The band actually impressed me more live than on their recently released CD, "Kick Up the Fire and Let the Flames Break Loose." While the CD's melancholy pacing proves far too slow and ambient for my stereo mood, they amped it up live

and held my attention.

Next on my agenda, after fully loving the new Vines CD "Winning Days" I was so excited to go see them at the Wiltern Theatre. The show got off to a rockin' start with one of my current faves Jet. The retro, garage-infused Aussie rockers proved to have arena quality in their live show. They didn't even lose any momentum when they slipped into the sensitive side of their smash CD "Get Born." Each song sounded full bodied, rocked out, and ultra sexy cool. They are the band of the year as far as I'm concerned.

Within in the first few notes of headliners the Vines, singer Craig Nicholls proved that producer Rob Schnapf must have worked miracles on that album to get him to sound so good because it was clear that he can't sing a note. Of course that was probably aided by the fact that he was so fucked up he could barely function or properly work his guitar. (And no Chris, dragging your guitar around on stage doesn't usually help tune it.) At one point he just tossed the guitar into the crowd in front of him. I glanced around at the audience's display of puzzled faces who at first wondered if this act was a joke then started leaving in droves. Those that stayed looked at each other wondering if Nicholls could possibly be that awful. Then many of us burst out laughing and shaking our heads at him. Poor sod, he's got a way of bonding his audience! He went on to slaughter his entire set and embarrass himself as fellow Vines members and frustrated roadies clearly seethed at his antics. I stayed merely because I couldn't believe how bad it was. Never again.

I had a better night at home watching The Heidi Fleiss story "Call Me" on the USA channel. The two-hour made-for-TV movie of the famous Hollywood Madam (portrayed by Sopranos' star Jamie-Lynn DiScala, who had Fleiss's mouth and mannerisms down to the last hair-tossing gesture) was surprisingly well done and displayed scenes the public may not know about Fleiss' legendary path to infamy. Only in Hollywood can someone rise and fall so fast – and have such a great roll in the money doing it.

Didn't catch the movie? You can read all there is to know on Madam Fleiss in my interview with her HERE.

I got my literary fix by stopping by the UCLA/LA Times Festival of Books and attending a discussion featuring writer Rachel Resnick (author of one of my favorite books "Go West Young F*cked Up Chick") and erotica writer Susie Bright who proved to be quite an entertaining and informative porn historian discussing her early turn ons and her adventures in seeking out the sexual taboos in places she visits around the world (Israel's Nazi-Jew taboo? Who knew!) as well as trends in sexual fetishes such as blood play during the rise of the AIDS epidemic and the submissive male trend at the height of both Iraq wars. My oh my sex education is fascinating! They never taught me THAT in school! Be sure to check out Bright's book "The Best American Erotica" for more.

I ran into local wordsmith Bruce Bauman talking up the newly launched literary magazine Black Clock. Founder and editor Steve Erickson hosted a launch party for the magazine at the Disney Concert Hall recently for local fans of the written word. Inside the magazine is work by such prestigious LA writers as Bauman, David Ulin, Samantha Dunn, Greil Marcus, Michael Ventura and Aimee Bender. Check it out and feed your head.

While my gal pals and I still mourn the end of "Sex and the City" -- the show we watched religiously, bonded over, and puzzled (if not mortified) most of our male friends with by gushing our devotion to this extended group of TV girlfriends -- I managed to ease my withdrawl by purchasing a few seasons of the series on DVD. Inside I found episodes done with inspiring commentary by executive producer Michael Patrick King describing the character’s evolution, director’s choices in camera angles, as well as backstory on those famous locations from the streets of New York. For any aspiring storyteller in the entertainment biz, the DVD collection and commentary provides a lesson in this pop culture milestone. Plus it’s always there when I need my fashion fix — money well spent!

But a grrrl can’t stay at home watching reruns every night, so I put on some fashionable gear of my own and stepped out to a little corner of Universal City to a new cool hot spot for Valley dwellers. Thunderbird, formerly known as the Blue Saloon, is a little bar that got a much-needed redo after beloved former Bar De Lux bartender Kane came in as co-owner. Now featuring seductive burgundy and black parlor-style striped wallpaper, cocktail lighting and the bar’s logo painted on the stage backdrop, it’s fit for flirtin’ for certain! For this particular evening, Tigermask promoter Ralph Carrea, attracted a distinctly Hollywood crowd with a triple bill launched by Blare Bitch Project, the hard rockin’ female band featuring former members of Betty Blowtorch who keep the spirit of singer Binaca (RIP grrrl!) alive by blowing the roof off the place. They were followed by local lady-pleasers, the Disciples who now feature a new name Chelsea Smiles, and few new members, including Lords of Altamont keyboardist Jake. But they still sport their sexy trademark black leathers, and boast of a highly-coveted record deal. I’m eagerly awaiting the CD boys! The very LOUD evening wrapped with Cool Grrrls heroine Texas Terri with a new band known as the Bomb and the same feisty, get-in-the-crowds’-face revelry. Not bad for a night in the Valley!

I made pit stop over to the Knitting Factory to catch an early show by my old pal Johnny Indovina, the former dark prince leader of Human Drama