Le Grand Rex

I really don't have much time to blog these days, as I have a 15-page paper to do tonight. I will not be sleeping, I won't be going to see !!! tonight, and I won't fret one bit. Why, you ask? The Smashing Pumpkins played their first gig back at Le Grand Rex in Paris, France.

If you know anything at all, you realize that the setlist below is pure "oozement". Consider it a word.

Happiness. (Bonheur.)

Ceci n'est ni spectaculaire ni cela n'est une pipe.

My brief break was resultant of my subpar academic work ethic. It's not quite there yet either, but after finishing off a pot of fettuccine with tomato basil, I happened to be in the mood to spill some beans here.

First of all, the weather is amazing today, and it has been for several consecutive days. It is a little difficult to be comfortable though, since it is presently sunny 84°F (29°C). When I say "comfortable", I'm talking about not having the willpower to do schoolwork as well as the humidity that is taking over. I will say that it sure beats temperatures below freezing. I would take my work outside but, knowing myself, I'd end up people watching and enjoying more of the day than I should. Decisions, decisions.

Today I found a brilliant music blog that happens to have the most impressive downloads I have ever seen in one place. I just enjoyed newer songs from Elk City, Travis, Cloud Cult, Klaxons, Moonbabies, The Rakes, Client, Johnny Boy, and Blood Red Shoes. All of them were quite good. If you know me, you realize how difficult it is for any music perspective to bat 1.000 with me. What can I say--certain music hits me just right. Perhaps I will be able to host downloads of my own, but for now...a link for 5 Acts can be found below.

Le jour quand la musique est décédé (The day the music died)

Since the beginning of the year, I have assumed responsibilities for booking worthwhile acts for an area cafe. All the while they have built a reputation for hosting mostly singer-songwriter/folk outfits. My "associate" was bent on having me change that. Now, first of all, I am not getting paid a single penny for what is, simply, me, doing whatever I can to give our city another place to see quality live music. It's not for personal gain but for providing an additional avenue for traveling bands to reach an audience here.

Simply, I have been very much discouraged by the overall lack of support in my music booking endeavors. Ridiculous promotion on a shoestring budget (which is provided for me, but not always actually making it into my hands) has not payed off in the least. Tonight is the second show I will have put on, following two consecutive cancellations. No money was provided for fliers and posters this time around, as a result of poor communication across the boards. A variety of factors will possibility culminate into a disappointing turnout.

Really, all I want is for the people involved in making this work...to help make it work. Heck, this is the 4 straight time that my shows had not made it on to any calendars affiliated with the venue until just three or four days before the show. It is unbelievably frustrating to do something selflessly for the benefit of improving the music climate locally, yet a perceived indifference makes me question my willingness to continue.

I tend to become frustrated very easily and very quickly, yet I think my patience has been held up fairly well throughout this challenge. There have been many club promoters in the past that have had to endure years of painstaking efforts before they finally paid off. I need to keep reminding myself of that. Ultimately, I want the bands to have the best possible experience. I guess I am wondering whether I have the resources to make that happen.

The following is the virtual destination for my music promoting efforts. I hope I can keep the dream alive.

http://www.myspace.com/underteethproductions