The 2015 Waterman's Ball Honoring Perry Farrell!

Freshly back in town and feeling all madly back in love with Venice and California, it got even better and more confirmed when my friends, The Farrells invited me to attend the 2015 Waterman's Ball where Perry was to be honored with the Environmentalist of the Year Award! Hell, yeah! Etty dropped the hint that there was also going to be a performance by Porno For Pyros - and life got even better.

We zipped down to Laguna Niguel to the Ritz-Carlton, where the 26th Annual Waterman's Ball was being held, just as the sun set on an unusually hot day by the sea, casting the entire event in an appropriately Golden State kind of light. It was a truly stunning setting, honoring some truly stunning people.

Everyone was decked out in "Creative Black Tie", which meant that you saw everything from beaded gowns to flowered Bermuda shorts. It was some great people watching, and I think this cute couple won Best Dressed for me. The dress was Mara Hoffman, and the woman had drawn waves on the guy's jacket to match. Creative! I loved it.

In the ladies room, I had a moment with this regal woman dressed in a black dress with a striking fuschia orchid lei on. I complimented her on it, and her eyes got all kind and crinkly with her big smile. She took my hands and said, "Oh, thank you, honey." ... and I felt like I got super powers or something from her. Like I tangibly felt stronger. I can't explain it, I just immediately adored her. We told each other to have fun, and off I went, looking at surfer dudes, and feeling kind of magic.

There was a silent auction to raise funds for the various organizations that SIMA (Surf Industry Manufacturers Association) supports, with things like hotel packages, signed skateboards, and whole bunch of cool surf art. Little girls and their Moms in matching jackets from the NCL (National Charity League, I was told by a grommet girl in glasses) manned the booths, and were all smiley and informative. It was nice to see a next generation of people actually caring about things.

Things like our beautiful oceans, which was the whole real reason for being there. The silent part of the auction and cocktail hour ended, as everyone was ushered into the dining room for the surf and turf dinner. The meal was delicious, and we made new friends just in time to rock out with for a performance by Porno For Pyros, with Robert Trujillo (Metallica) filling in on bass!

OH, have we missed PFP! They jammed out "Tahitian Moon" - an all time favorite, and the entire ballroom went bananas. It's such a surfy song, and the story behind its writing happened on a surf trip, and it was all just perfect.

Then the also perfect "Ocean Size" was delivered as the video screens played giant wave footage, and Peter DiStefano did a fantastic job replicating Dave Navarro's guitar shreds from this Jane's Addiction classic. From the oceans to the mountains for "Mountain Song", which caused the room to simply erupt. It was badass, and for many, their first live taste of Porno For Pyros. That alone made my night.

That riled people up to be spirited bidders on the treasures up for the live auction. Cool things like a VIP weekend at Lollapalooza (trust me, you want that). Honoree Stephanie Gilmore bid on and won the freshly played bass guitar signed by Farrell, DiStefano and Trujillo, adding $10,000 to the oceans' coffers. You could bid on having artist Letty Nowak paint a portrait like they one she did of Rob Machado. The thing that most caught my eye and was listed as "Priceless" was the gorgeous 1935 Tom  Blake wooden paddleboard, ultimately won by Farrell himself. Yay!

Then it was time for the tributes to the honorees. Each had a video about them play before the award presentation, and when it was time for the Lifetime Achievement Award going to the late Doc Paskowitz, the room grew reverent. Paskowitz is famous for tossing aside his medical career to take his wife and nine children surfing around the world living in a van (as seen in the great documentary Surfwise), spreading the gospel of surf. It was then that I realized the regal and wonderful woman from the ladies room was Doc's beloved wife, Juliette! It all then made sense as I watched their spectacular life and love together in the video. She was magic and strong and full of love throughout their life together, and exactly what I experienced from her in our brief moment together. What a special family. When Juliette and her daughter came up to accept the award, no eye was dry as they blew a kiss above. Not mine, for sure.

Environmentalist of the Year, was next, and my friend, Perry Farrell was the well deserving recipient, presented by his Venice surfing buddy, Trujillo. This is a guy who makes sure Lollapalooza is one of the most eco-friendly festivals there is. I've been in  the family home overlooking the vast expanse of the Pacific, I've traveled across the country with the Farrells, and I can tell you that the Earth and its Oceans could not be more important to him. You can actually see him feel it in his body as he performs, as he surfs, and even just as he talks, all animated and flowing. He accepted his award with great humility, and an even greater imitation of Doc Paskowitz telling him to get rid of his Mercedes for what they did to the Jews. Another story was told about roaming about his Venice neighborhood in a towel, carrying a metal spear for protection. Those were the DAYS in Venice, and why we're all so wistful and protective about Venice now. But I digress ...

Great cheers erupted for the surfing front man as he thanked everyone and said that music goes hand in hand with surfing ... the sound waves. Trujillo and Farrell both spoke about how important it was to them as musicians to also be members of the surfing tribe. "The Ocean would always heal me," said Farrell in closing, and it was special to watch his gorgeous wife and spectacular sons watch and learn from their Dad about these things that are the most important in life ... nature, true friendship, and love of all of it.

The last award of the night was presented to Stephanie Gilmore for Waterman of the Year. Waterwoman. Mermaid. Clearly still stoked on winning the bass, she spoke with a delighted glow about her love of surfing, and how it's the best feeling in the world. "A true waterman loves what they do. They have fun. Maybe that's why I'm getting this award... And I highly recommend surfing as a job!", joked the charming, super-talented, and obviously grateful Gilmore.

After closing thanks from the SIMA people, the party split to celebrate at the upstairs bar on a perfectly starry Southern California night. As I made my way to the door, I walked straight in to Juliette Paskowitz again. We hugged and I told her I had no idea that she was the night's honoree when we met, and I was so honored to meet her and be moved by her. That same crinkly eyed smile of real, authentic living and happiness met my eyes again, and I felt the power of good people once more.

Thank you to SIMA and the Waterman's Ball for recognizing these kinds of people and everyone involved for caring about our Mother Ocean. And to the wonderful Farrells for having me as their guest ... Under the Laguna Moon.

Reggae Night At The Pier!

Last night was Reggae Night at the Santa Monica Pier for the Twilight Dance Series. The star of the evening musically was Sister Nancy, but the real center of attention was the beautiful night sky.

Each Thursday, I hear a giant bike squad go by, blaring a huge old school boom box. They ride as one big group, and it always makes my day. We exchange whistles and waves, and it lets me know it's time to get on the road to the Pier myself. I love them, and this time got my camera going just in time to catch a little of it to show you what I mean. Awesome.

We all needed a walk (and all lack working bikes at the moment), so we set off on foot. It could not have been a more perfect night for a Summer stroll, and it also gives you the chance to better things out than if you're flying by on a bike or a car. Like these cool members of another bike posse, all decked out in lights, and I liked to think, rasta colors.

By the time we got to the pier, the sun had set, so it was time to lie back on the blanket in the sand and look for some straggler meteors. We saw none, but there were distractions. The Twilight Concert Series folks have GOT to figure out something about speakers for the people (thousands!) on the sand that honestly have to have extra bionic ears to eke out one bass note. There also used to be a screen facing the sand, so the Sand People could also catch a glimpse of the action. Not anymore.

There is nothing better than a Pier concert to show off what it's like to live and love Summer in Southern California ... but it's a total zoo up on the actual pier (especially if you have kids and/or dogs along) so it would be excellent if we chillers on the beach could see and hear too.

After a while of stargazing and knowing that somewhere over there was actual music, we decided to head back, knowing that we could actually hear the music better on the wind. Sure enough, right about by Shutters, we heard the distant strains of "Bam Bam" ... and all was well.

One Love, Rastas! So fun. So happy to be back in the land of Good Vibrations! Yes I.

Home And Away - Back In The Venice Bubble (Where I Belong)

Well, I just got back from a beautiful Summer vacation in Minnesota, where I was born and raised. The entire state was showing off the whole time, with breathtaking beauty, perfect Summer weather (I include a couple thunderstorms in that, because to me and any other Californian, they're now so wonderful and rare), cool new spots, wonderful old haunts, and the laughter and fun of family and friends. It was awesome, and this picture pretty much sums up me the whole time, soaking it all in, and deep in thought.

There were outstanding, inspiring times ... volunteering at the Hendrickson Foundation Charity Golf Tournament, where they raise funds and celebrate the incredible achievements of disabled hockey players. Talking my way in to the National Association of Black Journalists party put on by Prince at Paisley Park. Prince! In bronze lounge pajamas and giant afro, right there, Prince! There was swimming in the freshwater lakes and rivers that no matter how great the ocean is (and it is), it just isn't the same. There were great new restaurants (Lyn65, Betty Danger's Country Club, the brand new WOW Fireside Pizza, Revival, Sun Street Bakery, Glam Doll Donuts, Izzy's Ice Cream), and ones that have gotten too big for their britches by far (http://www.yelp.com/biz/psycho-suzis-motor-lounge-minneapolis-2?hrid=lQjQhu46gl72hRzfFAHESA&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)).

There was seeing children grow, reuniting with college roommates, meeting new neighbors, and waving to old ones. There was still an Ice Cream truck playing music down my old block! I saw the Twins win in their new to me stadium! I went to my favorite art museum (The Walker) for their great International Pop show. There were deep talks and solid reflection. There were laughs and conversations with very best friends for life. There were my brothers, both. There was Mom (really, the main point).

But within all that, I'm a little worried about Minnesota. This was the longest I've been there since I first ever moved right after college, so it got more into what it's like to live there, vs. just being a good time holiday run. I noticed a distinct lack of Minnesota Nice - the one trait I'm most proud of when I describe where I'm from. It has always been THE thing ... and I'm afraid it might be endangered, like so many other things in our world.

People were uptight. I heard the word "terrorists" brought up in several conversations, from vastly different people. WHAT?! Like, you think about that normally? I heard both "Somalians" and "Mexicans" being spoken of disparagingly, by people I formerly thought highly of. I heard people speak of gay marriage with an eye roll. People afraid to go downtown. I heard someone actually PRAISE Michelle Bachmann. People were HONKING in roundabouts! Psycho Suzi's set the tone for bitchy service, but they weren't alone. I was all proud of all the bikes being ridden everywhere, and then I saw a news story that bikers were being targeted by people in cars throwing concrete bricks at them! Like two metal plates and jaw wired shut getting hit, for RIDING THEIR BIKE IN THE BIKE LANE! This is a GOOD thing, that helps traffic and the environment, Minnesota Commuters! Man. Talk about road rage.

Kids were climbing on the lake monster, so the city just took it away. No more fun. I'd just be happy kids WERE out climbing on things, instead of on their screens! Families (both that I knew and strangers in public) bickered and bitched to where I'm not sure I believe in the marital institution at all anymore. The same people asking me when I'm going to ever settle down. No, thanks. Not if that's what it ends up being. I was seeing a lot of Settled, not Down. There are still a few wonderful examples, but they would take up maybe one hand of fingers. Seriously, what is going on back there? Or is it everywhere, and I just live in the Venice bubble?

Not that we're immune in the bubble, of course. The moment I got back, I'm all riled up about an article depicting just how badly Google and Snapchat and pure GREED (and people like Tony Bill saying that if you're an ESTABLISHED artist you can afford the rents here - what a DICK thing to say after all the years he's lived here. I'm shocked.) are threatening to make OUR Venice extinct. No way. There's no way I'm giving up our bubble. It's WHY I moved here, to be free, to try not to judge, to express myself however I want, to support and encourage others like me. To live how we want to live, without judgement, with acceptance. Not to have the same chain stores, and road rage, and bickering, and fear, and rigidity that everywhere else seems to have. NO. WAY. It's well worth fighting for. And preserving, no matter what.

Minnesota - I think you need to be next to legalize marijuana (Ok, after California, technically. It just seems like it always has been legal here). Everyone needs to RELAX and breathe deeply, and appreciate the abundant beauty and quality of life and cool places and people. Stop freaking out over traffic, the Viking Stadium, guns, lion killers, and people that aren't Scandinavian. It's very unbecoming, especially when I used to be so proud that we would always be the only Blue State. Think of Paul Wellstone ... you're better than this. I love you so much, I always have the best time, but honestly, I think it's time for some real reflection back there. Thanks and love to the kindest woman at the Cub grocery store, who made me go in front of her giant cart with my three things, chatting and complimenting me the whole time. Two strangers leaving as friends, everywhere you go. That's what I remember. That's how I grew up to be who I am. That's what gave me hope that it's still there, it just needs encouragement.

Venice - The moment I got back, I started getting the signs that this is exactly where I belong. Friends honked and waved and welcomed me back. A big sign saying WE DON'T JUDGE was the first thing I saw on my walk. A butterfly landed on my shoe just as I was saying how happy I was to be back, and maybe I questioned it, but now I know this is my spot. It wouldn't leave until I laughed. It grounded me to the spot. I'm HERE. And that just means I'm going to be even more vocal and even more staunch in my belief that all we who truly LOVE it here (and not just the money to be scrounged out of creative people that can't hack it) have a responsibility to protect and preserve our town from the tech carpetbaggers who would have it be another whitebread office park. Again, NO WAY. It's not over, not as long as we're here. And we're not going anywhere.

Yet ... with all of this ... we're all under the same shooting stars tonight. And if we don't work TOGETHER to preserve the whole EARTH (seriously, read the climate change article in the current Kevin Hart Rolling Stone - there won't be any beach front property in Venice - or a Venice at all - real soon if emissions don't stop. Minnesota will BE the Venice of America. That's why I'm trying to cool it up now. Let's get to work.

"There's only one kind of folks - FOLKS." - Scout, To Kill A Mocking Bird.



*Special shout out to Wilco! Their fantastic new and FREE album, Star Wars, provided the soundtrack for my beach walk reflection and is the perfect album for one foot in the traditional Midwest, and one in the experimental, swaggering West. Awesome. Download it for free today, and thank them by purchasing an album from someone they dig.

Take A Breather - Gone Fishing!

I'm leaving today for Summer vacation back home in Minnesota, so Blogtown is taking a little breather while I'm away as well. As I was walking down Abbot Kinney this morning, I saw a whole bunch of Buddhas sitting there, reminding us all to remain calm. To take it all in. To breathe. To relax. To be here in the moment - now.

That sentiment carried on as I walked along the beach, soaking up and breathing in all the fresh, salty beach air to sustain me while I'm in the Land of Lakes. And Rivers.

I'll leave you with a little beach meditation and Summertime Pacific splendor ....

... and hope you all have the best time ever while we're apart. I sure plan on it.

Happy Summer Vacation!!! Yessss.

Life Rolls On Into Reggae On The Mountain!

This past weekend was a series of one great moment after another ... the whole time. Things came together effortlessly, and the sun was shining bright (and HOT!) from the crack of dawn on. Friends showed up at Playa De Los Amigos where we enjoyed the unusually warm water and frolicked around in the ocean all day long. It was the best.

Then we had to check out the Life Rolls On event at the Venice Skateboard, always one of the most inspiring days of the Summer. This year the day dedicated to people with physical limitations getting out there and keeping their stoke alive coincided with the arrival of the Special Olympics in Los Angeles, so there was a great feeling of support and encouragement pervading the already great vibes of the day.

Kids and adults in wheelchairs and on crutches got in the bowls of the skatepark and showed that they can still impress with their stunts and tricks as good as their able-bodied friends - if not more so due to their limitations. It's super inspiring, and I always leave with a happy - and grateful - spring in my step.

That only got bouncier when we headed up the mountain for the wonderful two day love fest of good vibrations that is Reggae On The Mountain in Topanga Canyon.

The day was perfect for such a festival - blazing hot, a mountain top breeze and absolutely everyone all the way invested in having a great time. Which one couldn't help but do with all the fantastic music, bright smiles, and colorful festivities all around.

Right as we walked up the mountain I ran into my family friends, the Ellis kids. Though I've known them since they were wee babes, they've grown up and Brooks Ellis is now the founder and organizer of Reggae On The Mountain, and I couldn't be more proud of him (above with his lovely sister, Sydney). He reminds me of a young Michael Lang (you two have to meet!) with his curly hair, bright smile, and relaxed way of making an entire family fun festival come off with ease and positivity. I was so impressed.

A big glass of icy sangria was handed to me, and we went and ate delicious jerk chicken as we listened to the sounds of John Brown's Body drift up the hill to us. I also got an awesome rasta umbrella that is begging for some more rain.

The true order of business (and pleasure!) for us was to see the Easy Star All Stars. I've been a massive fan of theirs since their sublime album Dub Side Of The Moon, but my love was truly cemented with their absolute genius album Radiodread. The Easy Stars were playing the main ROTM Mountain stage and we were right there in front for every note.

Hippies with didgeridoos danced alongside true Rastamen and simply rasta loving white girls like me. A little boy stood there and looked cool while barely swaying in time to the music, adding to the show in his own unselfconscious way.

One Rastaman stood there the entire time holding up a photo of Haile Selassie and giving out pamphlets and suckers. He was the real deal.

The Easy Stars had everyone dancing the entire time, never mind the truly sweltering heat. No matter. No worries. No problem. All we did was dance more and smile bigger.

They played selections from the above mentioned albums, as well as from their Michael Jackson epic Thrillah, and even teased a bit of "Kashmir" at the end, making me speculate that we might be getting a Led Zeppelin reggae album soon?! Ooooh. Kirsty Rock just rocks it. The horns roll it. Everyone is perfect. They're so so so good. People took shelter in the shade, lounging in tree branches and hammocks, with dream catchers there to beautify their daydreams. It was totally idyllic.

We danced and sang along until the sun began to set, then sang more all the way back down the mountain. Oceanside drinks at Moonshadows bled into the next day of beach day all day, followed by Hinanos and backyard nightcaps with best friends. This was truly a quintessential Los Angeles weekend, and I'm so happy and grateful to all who made it so honestly awesome.

Let the Good Vibrations roll on! One Love.

Thanks, Brooks!!!

Steve McCormick And Studebaker At The Cinema Bar

I was feeling all bad yesterday because I wasn't able to be with my Mom on her 75th birthday. I'm taking off next week to hang with her in Minnesota, but still. Then I remembered that it was my friend Steve McCormick's birthday too, and he was going to be celebrating both his happy day and the release of his new EP, The Laws Of Love, with his band Studebaker and a whole bunch of Venice friends at The Cinema Bar. I just knew that would make me feel better. I was all the way right.

McCormick and everyone he plays with are truly musician's musicians. Like when you're around them, it's on another level, like when you're around IT guys and they talk about tech stuff ... you can't really wrap your head around what just comes totally naturally to them. It's heavily impressive.

The Cinema is tiny, so you're right up close to the expertise. The sound is never great, it's really too small for it to resonate like it should. Having said that, you're totally immersed in it, and that IS great. It was a bluesy kind of night, and that meant we got to hear our great pal, Stan Behrens (WAR), blow on his harmonica all night long. This guy. Not only is he a liver transplant survivor, but one of the best harp players in the world, who rips harder than ever after his new lease on life. Plus he's just a wonderful human.

All of Studebaker's members are top top notch, from Steve Postell's total shredding on guitar (that he plays very high and tight), soloing like Steve Vai in that little room, to Eric Lynn on the keys (and an amp he had to tape together last minute), it's clear that you are in the presence of masters of their craft. From the grit of the Chicago blues to gorgeous ballads of love (in fact, I feel like I might have seen two people catch each others' eyes for the first time and fall instantly in love - but I might be projecting...), every last note was a pleasure to absorb.

By now, my high spirits were restored. I went in the bathroom and in a bit of synchronicity of thought, right in the middle of the door was this graffiti, telling me what I already know.

Happiest of Birthdays to Mom and Steve! And thanks so much to Steve and Studebaker for the music, and for the elevation of us all of us Venice folks and friends that crammed into that room. Music heals.

Twins In California - You Can Take The Girl Out Of Minnesota ...

... But you can't take the Minnesota out of the girl. A few of us California Minnesotans made the trip to Anaheim last night to see the Minnesota Twins take on the Los Angeles (formerly Anaheim and still weird that it's not) Angels. It's always fun to see the Twins jerseys in a sea of red Angels stuff, and I've always admired the people that do that. It's a certain kind of bravery, loyalty, and I don't care what you think attitude that I love. Though your seat neighbors are not always pleased.

Sports. Sure, it's an opiate for the masses, but it's also always a good time. It was so fun to have our little pal Quinn take in his first Twins game - already a tried and true (and often frustrated) fan of all Minnesota sports teams, even though he's born and raised in Venice. Like I said ... Loyalty.

Our beloved Twins got killed by the Angels last night, but it didn't even matter. It was a beautiful Summer night, spent with best friends enjoying the "American pastime". And doing the wave is always time well spent.

Angel Stadium, I was impressed with your fire explosions and volcano ... but GO TWINS!!!


*Also HAPPIEST BIRTHDAY to my darling Mother! If you see her, please give her a gigantic hug and kiss for me ... see you next week, Mom!