End of 2011

So I thought I would end the year with a post from TCM with their annual remembrance of all the film industry people who have passed away this year.

Day of Music

I haven’t felt much like writing this year, sorry about that. I have been on a lot of adventures and just have not gotten around to writing about them, let alone send out postcards. But two weeks back AJ and I went to the X96 Big Concert Show at the Gallivan Center and saw The Airborne Toxic Event (yeah!!), Neon Trees, and Panic at the Disco. There were other bands, but these were the reasons we went. Especially to see Panic since we have had not had the chance to see them perform; which in a way we still have not since the lead vocalist Brendon was sick in the hospital so he was not able to perform. But the show still went on with Tyler from Neon Trees singing two songs, along with other performers from that days concerts filling in. Very entertaining, glad they still performed, just wish we had Brendon (Good news, Brendon ended up not having malaria).

Also I found that I like Dallon Weekes from Brobecks who is touring with Panic as bass guitarist and back up vocals. My new favorite romantic song- Love at First Sight (shared below). He did a wonderful job performing and filling in with vocals that night.

Overall a great concert for such a low price. Three bands I enjoy for $25. Money well spent!

Real and One Republic

Last Saturday AJ and I went to a Real Salt Lake soccer game mainly so we could see One Republic perform after the game. I gave up the big BYU vs. U of U football game for this (which turned out for the best since I would have just been frustrated watching us hand the game over to the other team). This is my second adventure watching a live soccer match and it seemed to move more quickly. I attribute it to understanding the game more. Actually, I think I just decided to go with the flow of the game and not focus so much on the calls. Good news- Real won!

After the game we found seats closer to the stage and settled in for a long concert of five songs. Yeah, five songs. It was like getting a sample scoop of ice cream at Baskin Robbins and walking out without ordering. They canceled their earlier appearance this summer so I have been anticipating this concert for awhile and just wished I had more to enjoy. But I can’t complain because I do love their song “Secrets.” I find myself watching the film Sorcerers Apprentice anytime I see it on TV just to hear their music.

Luckily next month The Airborne Toxic Event is coming back into town with Panic at the Disco and Neon Trees. Can’t wait!

Back to School

I love film history. I know it is not a surprise to any of you. If I were able to have my dream job, I would be a film historian or work with film preservation. At times I get antsy wondering why I am not doing what I love and start looking at film schools. During one of those times this past fall I found that UCLA’s Film School offers online courses during the summer. So I took the plunge and I enrolled in Acting and Performance in Film II. The class focused on the challenges actors face in performing in different genres like mystery, drama, comedy, etc. I enjoyed the lectures, the books I had to read, and the majority of the films I had to watch (I still hate Doctor Zhivago). This week they posted our final grade. Drum roll please . . .I got an A+! Brace yourself I’m going to brag a bit more – an A+! Of course I want to send a big thank you for MN in helping me edit my papers. But it really does make a difference if you love the subject you are studying. So after successfully completing one course, I will be registering next summer for another class and hopefully this will help tame the film lover inside me. But I may have just wakened the beast.

Death Cab for Cutie

You would think that as little I have been posting that I have not been up to anything this year but it has been just the opposite. Last week AJ and I went and saw Death Cab for Cutie. I’ve enjoyed their music over the years (including Ben’s stint with Postal Service) but their new album Codes and Keys is what won me over that I needed to see them in concert. A very enjoyable concert that actually started on time which is so rare. Here is a sample of why I like them (the video is a little weird, but I do love the song):



I forgot to mention that Ben never stops moving during the entire concert. He is always in motion, I was exhausted just watching him. No need for an exercise plan for him.

The Hit

My father, sister and I went and saw the Orem Hale Theater production of The Hit by Mike Buckley:

“Susan is dying. But when she hires an inept hit man to speed thing up, things get topsy-turvy funny in a hurry. A zany and heartwarming play about dying and learning to live.”

We went to the afternoon showing and noticed that the audience was made up of more of the mature set then other performances I have gone to, which is not bad just an observation. Since it is a theater in a round, you feel part of the production like you are witnessing it as a fly on the wall. The play was funny, it was enjoyable, and for only $15.50 way worth the money. The bit players coming into the antique shop to make “purchases” were a delight especially the ones played by Levi Larson. Plus I loved the running gag of the family heirloom for every character. After the play I asked my sister didn’t David St. Julien’s funny performance reminded you of Kirby Heyburn and she agreed. You still have another week to catch it, don’t miss it.

Lucky One

I just found a new song I love and I had to share it. I heard it on an episode of Royal Pains and I could not get it out of my head. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. It's called "The Lucky One" by Jess Penner.