The Fray

YEAH DENVER!!! My birthplace homeboys put on a fun show in my childhood hometown this weekend (if you dont know me that well, that translates to: the Fray, who are from Denver, CO, played a show in Houston, TX Saturday 5/13/06).

I went with my girls, Bun and Jack. We felt kinda old considering most of the audience hadn't been to college yet and we'd already graduated. But it was better than the Rooney show in 2004 -- Lauren and I were practically the only non-parents with 21+ wristbands and a beer in hand. Rather than immerse ourselves in the kiddie crowd, we hung out in the back which turned out to be a great spot for us elders -- it wasnt so loud that we regretted forgetting earplugs, less clausterphobic, and gave us space to see over other people's heads. But the kids really boosted the energy of the show (although their sing-alongs did kind of drown out Isaac's vocals).

Unfortunately, with such a limited catalog the show did not last long (1 hr including encore). But they hit the highlights of their album -- "How to Save a Life" and "Over My Head". Poor Bun never got a copy of the album before the show so she only knew the one radio hit. But I think she still enjoyed herself (even though I kept stepping on her foot -- sorry dude!)

And the venue, the Meridian, was a new experience. Its right across the highway from the GRB Convention Center in Chinatown. Its in a building that was obviously some sort of oriental business/restaurant because the exterior architechture had not changed much (but no, Kim Son has not left -- its still down the street a bit). But this place was pretty sweet -- had one room thats a bar/lounge area with pool tables and what I would call "bed booths"; then the big concert room, which i would compare to Austin's La Zona Rosa (but with a more logical layout); and apparently there was a dance room somewhere else but we never stumbled upon it. And I must say the bathroom was pretty nice for a place like this -- it had 10 stalls and Method soap. girls appreciate that! I wish the Meridian was around when I was in high school in Houston (although Chinatown is a bit sketchy, my parents still might not have let me go there anyways).

Overall, I had a good time -- worth the drive.

Household Names cd release party

Cinco de Mayo done right!!

This past Friday (5/5/06), Household Names finally unleashed their second album, "Picture in my Head" with a more-than-Almost Fab fiesta! Sheboygan and Nathan Harlan (formerly of Endochine) opened up the evening at the Parish. I was manning the merch table for the early parts of the evening, but once I had some drinks, I abandoned my duties to schmooze with all the folks. But Kway and Jack did a commendable job filling in for me -- thanks girls.

Overall the show was fantastic -- and being buzzed always helps, right?! I had a great time catching up with my girls, Greg, Clay, Sean, Jenni, Chuck and Suzie Barker, Patrick, Jake, Matt, my dad's coworker all the way from Virginia and everyone else. The highlights of the evening: Jennifer LeDuke struggling to take down the pinata, dancing like Mick Jagger with Greg, chanting "Hey Jude" after they said they were gonna cover the Beatles' "Don't let me down", sliding off the merch bench, Clay in his skinny white pants, and just hanging out with my parents! I hope everyone had a blast like I did and got home before the storms rolled in. Here are some pics:

The band: Chris, Jason, Clay and CJ.

Don't you just love the festive set up?

Yeah, that's my hand with the red hairband. Playing "Don't Let me Down"

Clay became the pinatas.

Me, Kway, Ashley, and Lindsay at the merch table.

I did indeed buy the blue "Asshole James" shirt.

Greg and Meg. This guy is like my second brother (since I've known him as long as I've known my own brother!!) I had blast dancing like Mick Jagger with him.

Ditch Dallas, Greg! Austin is the place to be!

Babies - Kway, Meg, Jack, and Bun. We're all going to LA in September -- woo hoo!

Ash and Me.

My parents are the coolest -- they had a blast rocking out with us!