Hard to resist.

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So tempted

to go see Judas Priest in August when they play here. I mean, good god, look at that place. But concerts are so expensive these days, ticket prices range from $45 to $65. That just seems like so much. I'm still stuck in the 1980's when big concerts were $15 to $25. Now that seems more reasonable.

But that amphitheater..!

This is just so heartbreaking.

Four Santa Fe teens killed in wrong-way collision; suspected drunk driver charged.

This takes me back to the end of the summer before my sophomore year when a car of four teenagers was hit on Cerrillios Road by a drunk driver. Three girls and one boy. The three girls went to my high school and two were cheerleaders as was I at the time so I knew them. In fact, one of them had just made the JV squad and she was so excited about it. I had seen her quite often during the summer at practices. The three girls all died and I remember so well the shock and grief, such a tragic way to start the school year. And so hard to absorb the loss. I can only imagine how the family and friends of these four kids must feel.

These wrong-way accidents happen far too often in this area. And they are usually alcohol related.

Just so, so sad.

Apple Miner Colony.

When I said that I hadn't been to a rock show in a long time, I wasn't kidding. The last real rock show I attended was on September 25, 2007 when I went to see Lowlights at the Lauchpad in Albuquerque. That's a mighty long time for someone who used to go to rock shows all the time. And I have to say, it was quite refreshing to be at one last night. It was like old times, but not, if that makes sense.

Okay, so I ended up leaving before AMC was done, but I was exhausted. My feet hurt, my back hurt and my eyes were so dry that every time I blinked, I thought one of my contacts was going to pop out. But cut me a little slack as we did spend a good part of the day walking around in the heat of the sun at Gay Pride Fest. We also ate crap all day. (Best. Corndog. Ever.) And had a couple of beers in the late afternoon. All of which contributed to my exhaustion. I really would have loved to see AMC's whole set, but with two opening bands, I was shot. That's what happens with old age, at least my old age, it gets harder and harder to sit through the opening acts. Both bands were terrific, but they wore me out. But let me tell you, Apple Miner Colony is absolutely captivating. I wish that I had gone out to see them before their Last Show Ever.





They are a big band. A HUGE band. 25 members. As such, I had no idea what to expect. Well, no, I sort of expected chaos and not a good kind of chaos. But there was not a single bit of bad chaos. Everyone pretty much follows Cole's lead and he's good at leading. He has quite a presence, that one. When he sat down at the keyboards to begin the set, the entire room went dead silent and all eyes were on him. It was kind of mind blowing. And he kept it going the entire night.



I was really impressed with the whole group. And it was an emotional night for them and much of the audience. I was mesmerized by their performance, but since I don't have much of history with them, it wasn't exactly emotional for me. But I could totally relate to the emotions. I could imagine that it would be like being at the Last Show Ever of the Johnsons Big Band. (Which I don't think I was at, actually. Totally blanking on that.) I could feel the intensity around me. And it made me happy. It reminded me of all the good times I had at shows and the love felt for the people in the bands and the music they created. Good vibes. Good times. I was a little sad that my first time seeing AMC would also be my last, but you know, it's okay. I think knowing Cole now made a difference in my reaction to the show. With such a long history of having friends in bands, I think I automatically like bands that I know people in better. At least on a local level. Anyway, I am glad that I got to see them before they all go their separate ways. It really was a memorable evening.



And with AMC, I really only know Cole and a few others. Like Dave, the guy up there playing the accordian. He had the honor of seeing me at one of my more drunk moments. Ah yes, I so know how to make a good impression.



And while Cole isn't T. Glitter, he definitely has his own style and charisma and he's quite easy on the eyes. So of course most of my photos are of him.





Will, who is also easy on the eyes, worked the whole evening, recording all the bands. I swear, he works nonstop, even when he is having fun.

It was a great day and a fantastic evening. We dragged my niece and her friends to the show as well and while they didn't like all the bands, they did like AMC.

If you want to check out the music, you can find Apple Miner Colony here. Will recorded their latest album and it is truly awesome.

The Santa Fe Gay Pride

celebration is today. This year it is being held at the Railyard Park instead of the Plaza which means a lot more space. They are even going to have a Beer Garden! I can't wait to check it all out.

Caroline, my middle niece, and three of her friends are coming down from Albuquerque to join the festivities and they plan to spend the night at our place. Housing four teenagers, three of whom we don't know, should be interesting.

Later today at Warehouse 21, Apple Miner Colony is playing their last show ever. They're freshly back from tour with a brand new album that my dear husband recorded for them. I grew quite familiar with their music during the month or so that they were working here at the house, but I have never seen them live so I am looking forward to it. Not to mention that I haven't seen a rock show in almost two years. Nuts.

So the main decision of the day is what cameras should I lug around with me?!