Jon Schwartz at Taco Surf & Kimo West's Shows June 29 & 30
Posted: Sun Jun 30, 2013 8:17 am
Had the privilege today to attend two band member gigs.
After meeting Al at his book signing this morning, went back to the hotel for a couple hours. Then, went out for Jon's gig at a nearby Mexican restaurant. Jon plays drums for a band called Zero G, that do covers of popular songs. They had a gig at a Mexican restaurant called Taco Surf. I had a reservation for Kimo's show at 8, but Jon's gig started at 6, so I was able to swing both.
Utilized the valet service at the Taco Surf restaurant, and went in for Jon's gig. Mom and I both got a 3 Taco plate. While we were eating our dinners, Jon came up to our table. He said, "Well, you people look familiar." He went on to say that he was happy that we made it. Also, that it would be a little different gig than the norm with this band that he played with. Joked that there weren't any videos or costume changes. They had done a little soundcheck while we were eating, and I told him, that I'd already heard a longer drum solo than normal, and joked that those commitments were good. Then, said it was nice to see each other, and Jon told us to enjoy the show.
Was able to see around an hour of the set before having to leave to make the drive to Kimo's show to get there by 8. Some of what we saw consisted of Jumpin' Jack Flash -- Rolling Stones, Down on the Corner & Have You Ever Seen The Rain -- CCR, Brown Eyed Girl -- Van Morrison, Higher Ground -- Red Hot Chili Peppers, Second Hand News -- Fleetwood Mac, When I Come Around & American Idiot -- Green Day. I thought American Idiot was very apropos.
After American Idiot, we had to head off for Kimo's show. Wish that we would have had more time to get to see the complete set. Very fun environment, and a unique setting for great music. Band was really good, and that, couple with great food made for a really good time. Those of you in the LA area need to take advantage any time they are playing.
Kimo's show was, I believe, my favorite one I have seen. Although, I have enjoyed others, this show had amazing acoustics. A very nice environment to watch the show, and I had a perfect view from the back of the entire stage, and my first clear view of Kimo playing guitar. Made it easier to focus in on the fingerings, and just how complex his slack key music is.
This show had more of a rocking vibe than other appearances, as Kimo had many special guests with him. Jeff Linsky accompanied on guitar, as well as, Kapo Ku on guitar and vocals. Kapo was a really funny, very engaging guy. Diana also accompanied with her amazing vocals. She has such amazing talent, and is a complete sweetheart. I love when she sings with Kimo. Joe Bird accompanied on a drum, and there was also a really good teenager that was a hula dancer. All of these guests added to the intensity of the show, and made for a really fun time.
The guests accompanied on a few of Kimo's trademark songs, but they also did a few special songs, which showcased their various talents. Kimo was still able to do his trademark music, and then they did one encore song with everyone on stage. A very fun show, and definitely my favorite Kimo gig, even though others have featured Al and Jon with Buy Me A Condo.
Awesome day with getting to see most of the group in various roles. Also, enjoyed getting to converse with Jon and Kimo at their respective shows.
After meeting Al at his book signing this morning, went back to the hotel for a couple hours. Then, went out for Jon's gig at a nearby Mexican restaurant. Jon plays drums for a band called Zero G, that do covers of popular songs. They had a gig at a Mexican restaurant called Taco Surf. I had a reservation for Kimo's show at 8, but Jon's gig started at 6, so I was able to swing both.
Utilized the valet service at the Taco Surf restaurant, and went in for Jon's gig. Mom and I both got a 3 Taco plate. While we were eating our dinners, Jon came up to our table. He said, "Well, you people look familiar." He went on to say that he was happy that we made it. Also, that it would be a little different gig than the norm with this band that he played with. Joked that there weren't any videos or costume changes. They had done a little soundcheck while we were eating, and I told him, that I'd already heard a longer drum solo than normal, and joked that those commitments were good. Then, said it was nice to see each other, and Jon told us to enjoy the show.
Was able to see around an hour of the set before having to leave to make the drive to Kimo's show to get there by 8. Some of what we saw consisted of Jumpin' Jack Flash -- Rolling Stones, Down on the Corner & Have You Ever Seen The Rain -- CCR, Brown Eyed Girl -- Van Morrison, Higher Ground -- Red Hot Chili Peppers, Second Hand News -- Fleetwood Mac, When I Come Around & American Idiot -- Green Day. I thought American Idiot was very apropos.
After American Idiot, we had to head off for Kimo's show. Wish that we would have had more time to get to see the complete set. Very fun environment, and a unique setting for great music. Band was really good, and that, couple with great food made for a really good time. Those of you in the LA area need to take advantage any time they are playing.
Kimo's show was, I believe, my favorite one I have seen. Although, I have enjoyed others, this show had amazing acoustics. A very nice environment to watch the show, and I had a perfect view from the back of the entire stage, and my first clear view of Kimo playing guitar. Made it easier to focus in on the fingerings, and just how complex his slack key music is.
This show had more of a rocking vibe than other appearances, as Kimo had many special guests with him. Jeff Linsky accompanied on guitar, as well as, Kapo Ku on guitar and vocals. Kapo was a really funny, very engaging guy. Diana also accompanied with her amazing vocals. She has such amazing talent, and is a complete sweetheart. I love when she sings with Kimo. Joe Bird accompanied on a drum, and there was also a really good teenager that was a hula dancer. All of these guests added to the intensity of the show, and made for a really fun time.
The guests accompanied on a few of Kimo's trademark songs, but they also did a few special songs, which showcased their various talents. Kimo was still able to do his trademark music, and then they did one encore song with everyone on stage. A very fun show, and definitely my favorite Kimo gig, even though others have featured Al and Jon with Buy Me A Condo.
Awesome day with getting to see most of the group in various roles. Also, enjoyed getting to converse with Jon and Kimo at their respective shows.