My Hero Zero
Leftcoastlove roll call: Andy, Alexis, Jimmy, and Traci. Yes I'm here too! The Fillmore theater recently hosted the amazing band Zero 7. A new cd of lush lounge beats, sultry vocals and a very short tour schedule brought all of us together for an evening of fun and hugs.
We all fell in love with Zero 7 two years ago after they released their first cd. It was in fact the soundtrack to the summer of 2002 for all the Leftcoasters. It didn't take much to assemble the crew for this show. The new material is as strong as the old and we love the fact that they are indeed a band.
When you listen to the cd you might not believe that all the instruments are live and the group does use a rotating line-up of singers. This makes them extra-special. Enough love, just go get a copy of any Zero 7 and you too will have a hero in Zero ;)
Zero 7
Harrah's Lake Tahoe
Tahoe Takeoff
Eight months of frequent flying and long weeks away from home made me ready for a little get away. Lake Tahoe in summer is a wonderful place. The snow capped peaks still hold on to their white hats while the warm summer sun beats down on the blue lake. Traffic is manageable and the room rates are low. I chose Harrah's for it's resort like amenities and great location. The drive up into mountains was breath taking and very relaxing. The hotel welcomed me with a posh room and a private booth at Cliché to watch the NBA finals.
The highlight of the trip had to be the "beach" promotion in the casino. The dealers were dressed in skimpy bathing suites and the waitresses wore even less to promote the idea of summer fun. It was like gambling in a Coppertone ad. I lost $40 but I didn't care, surfs up!
Junefest
Last but not least Alexis and I were invited to a Junefest in Muir Woods. Built into the side of the hills was a beautiful chalet designed to capture the feeling of a Bavarian summer home. A bay area Tourist Club hosts a series of German style fests each month during the summer. Complete with Oompah band and grilled bratwursts and lot's of really fun people this event was more fun than I thought it would be. Initially we planned to stop in and say hi to my friend Bibi who was working the brat/sour kraut line but we ended up staying all afternoon in the sunshine.
Alexis and I made plenty of new friends too. We joined forces with a group of friends who were also here for the first time. We took turns laughing and dancing. OK, the polka is pretty easy so I was able to fake with confidence. Note to self: If polka is a possibility leave the Timberlands home. My heavy boots made lots of noise dancing so I had to be careful to not drown out the band with my clomping. I'm sure we'll be back next month for Julyfest. This event was a deal too. $10 at the door and only $4 for a giant beer and $6 for a two brat plate kept this day on the cheap. Food, friends and fun...yes, summer is here!
Peace,
Sean