First Tuesday of the month, you'll find me onstage at Hotel Chelsea. Photo by Kat.
Continuing our series of very brief show reports, we had a good one Tuesday night at Hotel Chelsea. My musical theme, inspired by the exciting Artemis II space mission, involved songs that reference space. Good idea, huh?
Me. rocking as I tend to do. Photo by Kat.
A small but happy crowd at Hotel Chelsea. Photo by Kat.
Getting offstage for my final song so the next performer can get set up and started on time. It's the nice thing to do. Photo by Kat.
Hotel Chelseas set list...
Pink Moon (Nick Drake)
Man On the Moon (R.E.M.)
Space Oddity (David Bowie)
Swing Lo Magellan (Dirty Projectors)
Across the Universe (Beatles)
Brain Damage/Eclipse (Pink Floyd)
Blew The Dust Away (They Stole My Crayon)
Big Empty (Stone Temple Pilots)
Say Goodbye (Beck)
Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere (Neil Young)
Hummingbird (Seals & Crofts)
Lola (The Kinks)
*Hotel Chelsea In Space Improv (Zak Claxton)
*Indicates the first time I've performed this song in SL.
Big ol' thanks to all who came out to this show, with very special thanks to the following who helped support it!
dottydigit Resident, Trouble Streeter, daallee Resident, Kat Claxton, my great manage Maali Beck, and Hotel Chelsea manager Shyla the Super Gecko!
I love every single venue at Lutz City of Templemore. Photo by Kat.
Continuing our series of brief show reports... I'm not sure I've ever mentioned the fact that when I get booked to perform live music at Lutz City of Templemore, I don't know which of the many venues on that amazing sim I'll be playing. And quite often, it's one that I didn't know existed beforehand... or possibly didn't exist until some recent time. In any case, I often get to discover the venue about the same moment as my audience, and it's always a cool experience for everyone who visits there. Luis and his team there are just genius artisans and designers, using detailed textures and particles and lighting to build out a vibe like no other in SL.
Me, on yet another of Templemore's amazing stage environments. Photo by Kat.
The Enchanted Stage was especially cool, but they all are. Photo by Kat.
Another fine show at Templemore. Photo by Kat.
Lutz City of Templemore set list...
Crime (Real Estate)
Northern Sky (Nick Drake)
Desire Lines (Deerhunter)
Carry Me Ohio (Sun Kil Moon)
Something Else (Zak Claxton)
Don’t Let It Pass (Junip)
Hannah Sun (Lomelda)
Tea in the Sahara (The Police)
Swirl (Charlie Martin)
Pretty Pimpin’ (Kurt Vile)
Bull Black Nova (Wilco)
Big thanks to everyone who came out to the show, with super special thanks to the following who supported it!
Taj Nishi, Trisha Tellig, Hels Svendsen, Svoxy Resident, Abby Lin, Bonnie Bowenford, Kat Claxton, my terrific manager maali Beck, and everyone at the amazing Templemore (especially my bro Luis Lockjaw).
Hello readers! Yes, I've missed you too. Life being what it is — especially in the insanity of our modern world — has left me little time to maintain this blog in any acceptable way. No daily news updates, no live music show reports. I promise, I have a backlog of all of them, and I intend on some mythological date in the future when I "have more time" (hahahahaha... Lordy) to get them all posted here.
But meanwhile, some things happen that require immediate documentation in as many places as possible, and the most recent thing that falls into that category was yesterday's No Kings day of national action. It was the third No Kings event thus far. I've attended all three. And, as any longterm reader of this blog is aware, doing street-level protests is hardly a new thing for me. I've been at this shit for years.
Takin' It To The Streets
Despite that tendency for people to become discouraged or cynical about the act of protest, I find the opposite has occurred in my case: the more I do, the more effective I believe they are. And that's an easy conclusion to make in regard to No Kings in particular; at each of the three, they've grown both in the numbers of events and in the level of attendance.
To that end, there's no doubt: No Kings III was the single largest day of protest in American history. There were somewhere over 8.5 million people spread across some 3,200 events in 50 states and territories and international locations. Some are claiming that No Kings III attendance went even higher than that, surpassing the 12-million mark and therefore achieving the well-known 3.5% barrier toward a guarantee of massive change.
Look at the greater Los Angeles area alone. They say that 95% of Americans live within a one-hour drive of one of the No Kings events on March 28. I live within a one-hour drive of like 40 of them.
But that's not what was important to me. There are no data points needed to make it clear to all that No Kings III was a massive success, going above and beyond everyone’s expectations. You don't need me to talk about the thousands of individual events. On a general basis, I'll mention how great it was to see the No Kings events happening successfully in small town and in red states (or both, as was often the case). Almost half of the No Kings protests took place in GOP strongholds. Texas, Florida, and Ohio each held over 100 events yesterday, and even lower-population red states like Idaho, Wyoming, and Utah had events in the double digits.
However, you can read hundreds of news article about all that. All I'm going to do here is to tell you about my own direct experiences at No Kings III for LA's South Bay in Torrance, CA.
Getting There, Getting Parked, Getting Rolling
Torrance City Hall is all of three miles away from my home in Redondo Beach; it's a 10-minute drive. Still, feeling like No Kings was going to blow the fuck up (in the best of ways), Christina and I decided to leave a bit earlier than necessary for an event that started at 10:30, and boy, was that a good idea.
It turned out that the city of Torrance — a full year ago — had scheduled March 28 for some recycling drive event. That meant that the huge parking area adjacent to the court and the city hall buildings was closed to the public. It's the area where we'd parked for every social activism event at that location previous to this one, and times being what they are, I could feel the bubble of paranoia rising up inside me as we were turned around back on to Maple Avenue. "The Torrance conservatives are doing this on purpose to try and crush the rebellion!" I thought to myself for a moment, until realizing how ridiculous that premise was. And the good news? We still found parking directly behind the event, near the library on the same grounds. Ironically, we were actually parked closer than would have been in our usual spot.
Both Christina and I are experienced protesters, so we knew what to expect. After we arrived, we wandered about for awhile, checking out the various pockets of people along both sides of Torrance Boulevard. The mood? From the very start, it was festive and positive and joyous. Exuberant, even. And the first thing we noticed was that while we were still early for the official event start time of 10:30AM, there were already more people there than had been even at the peak of the previous two No Kings events at the same location. So much for parking being a deterrent.
Froggys and Unicorns and Freedom Fighters
Who was at No Kings III in Torrance? Well, first off, let's talk about geography. The South Bay Area of Los Angeles County is comprised of the coastal and coast-adjacent cities southwest of DTLA that includes the Beach Cities (El Segundo, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach), Torrance, the Palos Verdes Peninsula, other local cities like Carson, Gardena, Lawndale, Lomita, and nearby LA neighborhoods like Harbor City and San Pedro. You may recall Randy Newman singing the line, "From the South Bay to the Valley," in his iconic tune "I Love L.A." This is the South Bay in reference.
This area — where I've spent most of my life since 1975 — spans a wide range of income groups, racial makeups, national backgrounds, political outlooks, and more. It also accounts for nearly a half million people. It's not an insignificant populace, and a good portion of people here lead active lifestyles and are hard workers. And we care about the world around us. At least most of us seem to. I love it here, and always have, and always will.
My beloved South Bay
Again, focused only on the No Kings event that I personally attended in Torrance: I witnessed not a single moment of conflict. Not a single counterprotestor. And maybe I missed them but I never even heard an angry word or saw a raised middle finger from even one of the thousands of cars passing by. Let me throw a caveat out there: I live in a congressional district where Harris beat Trump 68%–29%. I speak from a position of liberal privilege here in Southern California by the beach.
What did I witness? A lot of terrific signs. A lot of smiles and laughter. A lot of people being immensely grateful to be among their own likeminded people. Old people. Young people. In between people. Families. Gay people. White people (so, so many white people), but also Asian and Latino and Black people. Oh, and at least a dozen or more dogs, many dressed for the occasion.
So as Christina and I hung out in various spots — along the tree line near Maple and Torrance, in front of the fountain area where speakers were doing speeches, down toward the west end near the pool, or on the other side of the street after crossing Madrona and looping back around to where we started. Also, at one point, we found ourselves in a pocket of inflatable characters who were pumping dance music out of a boom box, and I got in with them for some techno mini-rave action.
A Few Pics
Between Christina and I, we managed to document the No Kings III event quite thoroughly. I did a few livestream spots on Facebook Live, and she and I both captured a bunch of the scenes around us in still pics. Here's a little pictorial featuring some of them.
Cool Speakers and Attendees
I have to admit: I'm not a big fan of standing around at protest events to hear people speak. Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful when politicians, local activists, and the occasional celeb makes it out to these kinds of events. It's way cool. But I'm there to be an active participant, not an observer. Also, the area where the speakers set up in Torrance is around the fountain, and it's kinda crowded and in direct sunlight... not the preferred environment for a vampire like me.
But surprisingly, among the speakers we had the well-liked Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT), who came by and addressed the crowd, and once again, our neighbor Jimmy Kimmel (who lives not far from me in Hermosa Beach) attended the event with members of his family. Photos below from their respective social media feeds.
Wrapping It Up
Christina and I stayed for nearly three hours, until our levels of being around yelling people and honking horns and bright sunshine and loud music hit their respective limits. It was just wrapping up by then, and we made our way back to our Jeep and back home, ravenously stopping by Carl's Jr. on the way.
I have to say, No Kings III was not only the biggest protest event in U.S. history as measured by attendance; it was also the best measured by that most intangible quality of vibe. All I can tell you is that if this wave of enthusiasm translates into votes this November, there's no fucking way we can lose. Let's fucking go. See you at the next one.
This was a different kind of show. I liked it. Photo by Kat.
It was probably sometime in January when one day, my friend and Zakster fan Trouble Streeter pinged me to ask if I knew about an SL-based resistance movement. She'd learned about it from my fellow musician and friend Mimi Carpenter. And sure enough, when I took a lot at their web site, it was interesting to me. After all, I'm at least equally well known as a political commentator as I am a musician... and my liberal outlook is never hidden. It's something I'm proud of, frankly.
So when the folks who run that community asked if I'd be willing to do a show there at United Rhythms Aunty Fa Hall, I said yes immediately. And then when they told me a date they had in mind — with a show that was themed "Abolish ICE" — I was even more stoked... it was just a week before what I was sure would be come the largest day of protest in American history, the third event in the "No Kings" series.
Zak Unleashed
There's a reason that I don't have political discussion be the centerpiece of every show I do, and it's very simple... and probably not what you think it might be. As I said above, I am a proud liberal and supporter of both democracy and the Democratic Party in the USA. But I am also aware that political discourse can be alienating to some, and also that people who attend live music shows desperately need a break from the things that cause them stress.
Let me be clear: I do not care — not one bit — about people not coming to my shows or not listening to my music due to my political activism. That has absolutely nothing to do with it. They can all go fuck themselves. What it is about is my own responsibility as a performer, to provide some fun and enjoyment and relaxation. I feel it's an important service for the world.
But this show? One that was booked with my name next to the words "ABOLISH ICE" on the sign outside? With signs and information fully focused on resistance efforts? I figured that literally anyone coming to this show was going to be there specifically to hear exactly those things.
Themed Set List
I think everyone who knows me at all as a musician knows that I curate set lists that are at least somewhat unique to each show and venue I play. Often they are influenced by things in the news, things affecting society, and overall causes and issues that I support continuously. And sometime they are just cool songs that I want to show people. Not everything in life has to have a concrete meaning or purpose.
At this show, though, every single song I chose was there was a reason. If you know the songs in the set below, I probably don't need to explain those reasons on a song-by-song basis. But I will say that doing this show at Aunty Fa Hall was really great. I wouldn't want all of my shows to be in that format, but it sure felt good to go full-bore social activist while also doing some good tunes.
I was in full Antifa mode the whole hour. Photo by Kat.
It was great to be fully unleashed on the political front with a very receptive audience to hear what I had to say. Photo by Kat.
I got sent this from an audience member after the show. Great shot! After I figure out who took it, I'll revise this caption to give them credit.
There was no ambiguity regarding the outlook of the people who created Aunty Fa Hall. Photo by Kat.
Aunty Fa Hall set list...
For What It's Worth (Buffalo Springfield)
America (Simon & Garfunkel)
Either Way (Wilco)
All You Fascists (Woody Guthrie)
The Rainbow Connection (Kermit the Frog)
Sex Kills (Joni Mitchell)
Among the Leaves (Sun Kil Moon)
Ohio (Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young)
Streets of Minneapolis (Bruce Springsteen)
It’s Good to be King (Tom Petty)
Redemption Song (Bob Marley)
First, thanks to everyone who came out to this really cool show, and while I didn't put out a tip jar (asking people to donate to various causes instead), I still want to thank those who supported the show anyway!
Guru Witte, theblueyedfox Resident, Mimi Carpente, and the great management/staff at Aunty Fa Hall!
Me, rocking a funky virtual venue? It must be the first Tuesday of the month at Hotel Chelsea. Photo by Kat.
Continuing our series of brief show reports from Second Life... I had my monthly show at Hotel Chelsea on Tuesday night, and really, it couldn't have gone better. I was in a bit of a mood going into this one; it was my first show after the start of the U.S.-Israel War Against Iran that kicked off the previous Saturday February 28, and as a staunch anti-war pacifist, I was pretty pissed off about this aggressive and pointless military action.
That being said, while I did tailor my set list to address topics pertinent to the current events, I also thought it would be good to just do some tunes that had mellow vibes. There's enough anger and conflict in the world... I try not to add to it unless absolutely necessary. I'll also note that I had the benefit of my pal Max Kleene performing directly before me, and as has often been the case over the years, a good amount of his large crowd ended up sticking around for my show as well. That's a bonus.
Just me, my guitar, and an ugly tip jar. Photo by Kat.
Definitely no complaints about this Hotel Chelsea crowd size. And yes, it helps when I'm getting onstage after Max Kleene. Photo by Kat.
*Indicates the first time I've performed this song in SL
Big thanks to all who came out to the show, and super duper extra thanks to the filling who helped support it!
dk77333 Resident, Trouble Streeter, Kat Claxton, Kat Chauveau, bundy Xue, Sangreal Arnica, my terrific manager Maali Beck, Hotel Chelsea manager Shyla the Super Gecko!
Now that's a flashy-ass SL stage. Rocking [The] DropZone on a Sunday afternoon. Photo by Kat.
Continuing with our series of brief show reports... this was my second time performing at [The] DropZone in Second Life. As I mentioned last time, I think it's a cool place. Definitely a slick and contemporary-looking design. I feel like the venue is still developing its own community, and that's something that takes time and needs to be cultivated to be successful.
But the build itself is cool, and they are certainly bringing in a wide variety of artists to try and familiarize people with the venue. I do wish them success and would definitely play there again if they wanted to have me.
Me, onstage, lit in blue neon. Photo by Kat.
[The] DropZone is pretty cool. Hope they have me back there again sometime. Photo by Kat.
I'm playing, people are dancing. Seems like a good way to spend the day. Photo by Kat.
[The] DropZone set list...
1979 (Smashing Pumpkins)
Polly (Nirvana)
Hand In My Pocket (Alanis Morissette)
Better Man (Pearl Jam)
Save Me (Aimee Mann)
Linger (The Cranberries)
Hunger Strike (Temple of the Dog)
Wonderwall (Oasis)
Wild Wild Life (Talking Heads)
Saved by Zero (The Fixx)
So. Central Rain (R.E.M.)
What I Got (Sublime)
Thanks to all who hung out for this show, with special extra thanks to those who helped support it!
MattLoveJoy Resident, PrijaLeopynx Resident, Richy Nervous, Kat Claxton, Devin Collazo, my terrific manager Maali Beck, and [The]DropZone CEO Chloe Smythe and their great staff!
This was not a typical show, but Shyla the Super Gecko is not a typical person. Photo by Kat.
I was just wrapping up my show in January at Hotel Chelsea when Shyla the Super Gecko — Chelsea's manager of all things artistic — asked if I was available to play at my following month's regular show (I was), and also asked if I was free a week later on February 10 to help celebrate her rezday.
The answer was an immediate and resounding yes. Shyla is great... one of the coolest people in SL, and she's hosted me for years at my monthly show at her venue. Playing her party was the least I could do. What I didn't realize at that moment was that Shyla had already determined a theme for her party: alien abduction.
Well, that was something I could work with quite happily. I put together an alien-themed set list and bought my little retro spaceman helmet, and away I went. We had a great crowd and her lineup of artists was outstanding. Every single person seemed to be having a great time throughout. Also, even after the show was long done, I'm still even sure exactly where the party was held; I can only assume that we were upstairs in one of the many rooms of that majestic building. It sure was decked out for the occasion. How cool!
Honestly, I think I spent like L$20 on this helmet and it could not have been more perfect. Photo by Kat.
A big room full of freaks. I felt at home among my people. Photo by Kat.
Shyla's rezday party ended up being one of the more fun shows I've played in a long time. Photo by Kat.
Rocking the aliens. Photo by Kat.
Hotel Chelsea/Shyla's Rezday set list...
People are Strange (The Doors)
Six Underground (Sneaker Pimps)
Things Behind the Sun (Nick Drake)
It's Choade My Dear (Connan Mockasin)
Everything Is Scary (German Error Message)
Jesus Ranch (Tenacious D)
It's Easy Like Walking (The Sadies w/Kurt Vile)
Welcome to the Machine (Pink Floyd)
Starman (David Bowie)
Swing Lo Magellan (Dirty Projectors)
Rocket Man (Elton John)
Things Under Trees (They Stole My Crayon)
I Am The Walrus (Beatles)
Big thanks to all the crazy people who were at this monster mama jam, with extraterrestrial thanks to the following who helped support it!
Basil Brooks, Echooo Oh, Judytoo Resident, Richy Nervous, dk77333 Resident, Indigo Starling, Clashofblepandmlem Resident, Diana Winchester, Saffron Spice, Echooo Oh, Sangreal Arnica, bundy Xue, Kat Claxton, Sienna Cupola, Lisa Brune, my terrific manager Maali Beck, and the rezday reptile herself, Hotel Chelsea manager Shyla the Super Gecko!
