David Cook at The Troubadour

I can tell you exactly where I was when I first heard David Cook sing.  I was in Newport Beach doing a photo shoot and my friend JB lived down there so we had just gone out to grab Dinner and catch up before I headed back to LA.  We walked into his place and his roommate had American Idol on and I heard this incredible voice coming from the TV and I had them rewind and play it again.  David Cook was singing 'Hello' and I was hooked!  I watched the rest of the season just for him because I knew he should win.  His original takes on all these songs was so innovative and I knew he had a long career ahead of him.  Of course, he did win, has had multiple albums released and I saw that he was playing a show at The Troubadour this past Sunday so I immediately bought tickets to see him play.

David Cook at The Troubadour in West Hollywood

Rachel had heard of David Cook but didn't really know his music so I was hoping she would enjoy it as much as I knew that I would!  We had a fabulous Happy Hour at Toscanova beforehand and then made our way to The Troubadour.  We found FREE parking across the street and as we walked up to the venue I turned to Rachel and said, 'we're going to meet David Cook tonight, I just know it.'

I had never been to The Troubadour before but Rachel had seen a show so she knew it was a smaller and more intimate venue.  I realized when we walked in how close we would actually be to him while he was singing and was like a giddy little girl opening my first Christmas present years ago.  We saw the opener, Andrew Ripp, performing a couple songs including one dedicated to his wife, who was all the way in Minnesota and then it was time for David's set.  We made our way closer to the stage, just about 10 feet from the microphone that was set up and waited for David to take the stage.

Personalized autographed copies of 'Digital Vein'

At about 9 pm, David walked to the stage to the screams of lots of women and also a few men.  Not only is he talented but as he talked in-between songs to pump the crowd up, he shared cute stories, engaged the audience, and made all of us laugh.  He just released his new album 'Digital Vein' and I had listened to a bunch of his music before the show so I could re-familiarize myself with it.  He opened with 'Heartbeat' which is the opening song on the album and one of my favorites.  By the time he got to 'Broken Windows' and 'Wait For Me' I knew I needed to get the album.  Next up was one of my favorites, 'Declaration,' and another off his new album,' Laying Me Low' which I absolutely loved.  I asked Rachel what she thought and could see she was enjoying it just as much as I was...success!  She recognized 'Come Back To Me' right away and I was so glad that he played his cover of Chris Isaak's, 'Wicked Game,' because it was beautiful.  'Kiss & Tell' was another upbeat and fun song and at some point during the beginning of the set, he threw one of his picks at us and Rachel scooped it up and gave it to me!  YAY!  He had to play his new single 'Criminals' which I really liked as well as 'Light On,' which was his first major hit after American Idol.  David started acapella and then just as the song kicked in, he played his guitar, and then the entire band joined in.  Not only is he a talented singer but also a skilled guitarist.  He played for almost 90 minutes and it went by so quickly I wanted to hear more!

Rachel and I with David after the show...dream come true!!

After the show I asked one of the security guys if we could wait for David since I had the pick and was hoping he would sign that or a CD that I had brought with me and he said if we waited out back that would be fine.  We walked behind the venue and were shortly joined by two other people and waited there for about an hour before we saw David come out of nowhere and he politely asked us if we could wait just a little bit longer but that he would be out soon.  I saw why when he was helping his entire crew break down the stage and pack all of their equipment up.  During that hour we actually talked to the opener, Andrew Ripp for a little bit, got a picture with him, and saw that he was heading out to a party with Andy Grammar (although we didn't figure out it was him until later).  Luckily, we only had to wait another half hour and David came right up to us and we got our chance.  Another security guy came out and had given Rachel the new album and I had bought one since I was hoping David would sign it, and sure enough he did, even asking how to spell my name.  We chatted for a little bit, as he was left-handed (like me) and I complimented him on his acapella version of 'Light On' as he replied that he had laryngitis but was appreciative of the comment.  There was no laryngitis to be seen or heard from him as he sounded like perfection!  We then got hugs and pictures and as we walked back through the alley towards my car I collapsed on the ground in utter disbelief that all these events just really happened!  I was elated to get to meet my favorite American Idol!

Needless to say, I've been listening to the new album non-stop and have found some more new songs that I love!  I would definitely see him again and think he's a great performer that anyone who loves rock and roll should absolutely check out :)

September Karaoke

September was definitely a more quiet month, even though I had a lot of friends come in to visit before I left for Wisconsin or come and hang out as soon as I got back.  It meant that everyone got to sing a lot and there were some celebrations and fun!

Amy Grant "Baby Baby"

The Ronettes "Be My Baby"

Whitney Houston "I'm Your Baby Tonight"

Mariah Carey "Always Be My Baby"

The Supremes "Baby Love"

Fleetwood Mac "Dreams"

Natalie Imbruglia "Torn"

Pink "Try"

Jennifer Paige "Crush"

Kelly Clarkson "Low"

3 Doors Down "Kryptonite"

Alicia Keyes "Fallin'"

N'SYNC "Gone"

Alanis Morissette "Ironic

The Police "Every Breath You Take"

Cyndi Lauper "Time After Time"

Whitney Houston "Run To You"

Ace of Base "All That She Wants"

Everclear "Santa Monica"

Carrie Underwood "Cowboy Casanova"

The Supremes "Baby Love"

Gwyneth Paltrow & Huey Lewis "Cruisin'"

Seether & Amy Lee "Broken"

Pat Benatar "Promises In The Dark"

Billy Idol "Rebel Yell" 

The first two weeks at Karaoke I set a little theme and everyone got really into it during the first week.  That first week, you picked a word, and it had to be in the title of all of your songs.  Adam ended up using the word 'my' but challenged himself by singing 'My Heart Will Go On' and surprising us all.  Giana used 'woman' so she sang "American Woman" by Lenny Kravitz, another super fun song and something new for her!  My word was 'baby' and my new song was Mariah Carey's "Always Be My Baby" which I sang at an acoustic live show a couple years back in a super-set of songs.  It was much easier doing it acoustically!  The second weeks theme for myself after singing a couple songs ended up with me choosing songs that only had one word in the title.  I sang Whitney Houston twice this month including my new song that third week which was "Run To You."  I was actually really happy with how well I did although when I took voice lessons years ago that was the first song I worked on so I had a little history with it ;)  My new song the second week was "Kryptonite" by 3 Doors Down, and I love that all of their songs are right in my range.  That third week and fourth week were really busy so I didn't sing much in the third week and once it cleared out in the last shift I worked in September I ended up singing a couple duets.  Marcus and I did "Cruisin,'" which is one of my favorite duets, and one that Mikey Weiss and I will sing on-stage at some point in front of a crowd of people (I just know it!)  And I also sang "Broken" with Crosby, another great song, and one I forget about!  My new song that week was "Santa Monica" by Everclear; they had a few hits in the 90's but it wasn't my favorite song to sing, although I'd try doing some of their other music and see how it goes.

There were a lot of songs added to my history and also some new friends coming into Gabe's for the first time!  I wasn't able to work that last Wednesday in September because I was at my Preview Night for 'Thenardier's Inn - A Les Miserables Cabaret' but now I'm even more excited to be back this Wednesday for Adam's Birthday Celebration!  Let the good times roll :D

You can call me Madame Thenardier...

It's been nearly a year since I auditioned to be in 'Thenardier's Inn - A Les Miserables Cabaret' and little did we know our fabulous show would still be running a year later!  From extensions at CAC Studios, where it all began, to being a part of the Hollywood Fringe Festival, WINNING the 'Best Cabaret & Variety' at the Festival, having another extension at 3 Clubs, to bringing in a mostly new cast to our sixth extension, once again, back at 3 Clubs!

We are opening this Saturday and running for four weeks on the 3rd, 10th, 17th, and 24th at 8 pm!  Doors open at 7 pm and trust me, you don't want to be late to this one ;)

If you want to laugh, cry, drink heavily, and anything in-between, this is the show for you!  I'll be playing Madame Thenardier, and you'll want to watch your purses and wallets around me, and I can't promise to keep my hands to myself, but you can bet that I'll be making fun of my husband, making you drink more, and having a grand old time!

Tickets are available at: www.cacstudios.com and go ahead and use the promo code NOTLESMIS for up to 50% off tickets.  Tickets are going fast so jump on it and check out our wonderful story that will be sure to melt your heart <3

Wisconsin Wedding (Part 1)

I had a really wonderful trip back to Wisconsin a couple weeks ago!  Just a few days before I headed back home, it was hotter in Wisconsin than it was in California but the weather decided to change as soon as I landed and it was definitely Fall back home!  I was able to spend a week with my family, celebrating my cousin Matty and his wife, Becky's Wedding, and just relaxing for a few days. 

The adventure started at LAX on my way back to Wisconsin.  I'm deathly afraid of birds and sure enough a bird got into the airport and flew right onto my arm and scared me pretty good.  Thankfully, as soon as I got on the airplane, I ordered a glass of Chardonnay, listened to some 80's rock, and started looking over my script for 'Thenardier's Inn' since I'm now playing Madame Thenardier in the show!  I started working on my Cockney accent as well as memorizing my lines and songs during the flight; what a perfect way to spend the four hours on the plae.

Congrats Becky & Matty!

Once I landed in Milwaukee, Mom and Dad picked me up and we drove to Elkhart Lake to celebrate with my cousins, aunts and uncles, and Becky's family.  We went out to the Brown Bear, marveled at the expensive Elkhart Lake prices (compared to Plymouth) and all caught up and even got every one to try Hula Hooping!  It's been years since I've done it and I was really happy to see my Mom was really good at it too!  On Thursday it was the Rehearsal at the Church and then we all had a nice Dinner at Becky's family's house complete with a fabulous Italian meal!

Bobby got into Wisconsin on Saturday afternoon with his girlfriend, Melissa, and we all went to the Church in St. Cloud for the Wedding.  Becky's dress was so pretty and the back was beautiful.  Matty looked sharp, dressed in his Naval uniform and obviously so excited to see Becky coming down the aisle.  I loved the Bridesmaid dresses; they were a gorgeous shade of purple.  Monica did one of the readings and I did the petitions and we both felt very fortunate to be a part of Wedding ceremony.  The Reception took place in Elkhart Lake and I was finally able to have my first Old-Fashion of the trip.  Wisconsin is one of the few places I have my Old-Fashions because they are made the best back home :)  The best part of the Wedding (aside from my cousin Tyler's Best Man speech which was heart-warming, special, and hilarious) was all the dancing; even my little second cousins stayed and danced the night away.  Everyone was dancing and having a blast, it was so much fun!

Schamberger's, Wittkopp's, and Wegner's on the Dance Floor with the Groom!

Sunday started out a little slow for me after a night of family and whiskey but we did get to watch the first Packer game of the season which was nice to see at home.  A trip back home isn't complete without a Steak Dinner at St. Anne so we had to go there that night!  Later, we had a game night with my cousins and aunt and uncle and Monica, Tyler's fiance, asked me to be in her Wedding!  I gladly said yes and their Wedding and am thrilled to be a part of the festivities in July 2016.

Check out Part 2 below this!

Wisconsin Wedding (Part 2)

Back home in Wisconsin... 

Mom and Dad took off of work on Monday so we decided to spend the day in Green Bay.  Mom and I went to the Casino and I actually ended up winning a nice chunk of change.  After playing for a little while longer, I decided to walk away with my $180.  I don't have a problem, unlike someone I know :p Then we headed to the Packer's Hall of Fame right next to Lambeau Field.  It was really interesting to see footage from years ago with the coaches and players, and how the uniforms, shoes, and pads have changed throughout the years.  I've been a fan of the Packers since the mid 80's and it was great to see the improvements and hear the stories told by key players, important coaches, and staff over the years.  I did my best to try to find Aaron Rodgers but unfortunately, I was unsuccessful on this trip.  Alas, nothing can stop me...I'll find him soon!

I had decided to spend an extra day back home since I didn't have to Host at Afterbuzz so my Mom, aunt and I all went to the Exchange Bank Coffee House and sat in the vault, drinking our coffee, and eating the biggest piece of home-made Carrot Cake I've ever seen!  We all had Dinner that night with my Grandpa and then Mom, Dad, and I went to Pourvino to do a little Wine Tasting and play Spades.  Mom and I love the Little Black Dress Moscato and at this point it's tradition.  It was really nice to get spend an extra day with my Mom and Dad and do something special with them.

Of course, the time went by so quickly, and I'm glad I had that extra day which gave us a chance to go to Green Bay.  I was pretty busy with Wedding stuff when I got into town and it was nice to be able to spend a lot of time with my family during the trip.  Every time I go home, it makes me want to visit again!  Just less than a week flew by before I knew it and now I just have to wait a little over a month for my family to come out and visit me for a week in LA.

Miss everyone already!

Matty and Becky, your Wedding was beautiful; thanks to the Pollard's & Wittkopps for a wonderful Wedding week.  I'm so glad that I was able to relax with my family playing cards, having a game night, going out to Dinner, experiencing the Hall of Fame, seeing the first Packer game of the season, and just getting a break from everything in LA.  There's no place like home <3

LA Food & Wine Festival

I watch a lot of Cooking Shows and Culinary Competitions on TV, and I subscribe to Food & Wine, and Cooking Light, as I love Food, being in the kitchen, going out for Happy Hour and Dinners to try new restaurants around LA.  Watching my shows and reading my magazines, the LA Food & Wine Festival is always one of the topics of conversation.  So one of my dreams came true when Jamie took me as her guest to the Festival a couple Fridays ago!

Downtown LA at Sunset

The LA Food & Wine Fest took place in Downtown LA at the Walt Disney Hall with over 100 celebrity chefs, 250 wineries, DJ's and entertainment, and more!  There were so many different stops that there was no way we were even able to come close to hitting half of them.  It was literally food and wine overload.  I noticed a lot of the restaurants and tastings we did were pork heavy, and perhaps, that's just the places we stopped at, but it was everything from tacos, to pork belly, to sliders, and more.  My favorite bite we tried was the Shrimp Coconut Cake from Phorage.  I burned my mouth because I couldn't wait for it to cool down but it was so worth it!  In fact, this last week I went in search of that appetizer at Phorage here in Culver City but unfortunately it was just a specialty item for the Food & Wine Festival.  I'm hoping they make it a special one of these days at their restaurant and I can stop in for a little bite of heaven!  

Jamie & I at the LA Food & Wine Festival

Now onto the wine, these weren't your typical wines.  These were wines that had flavors I'd never tried before, more exotic, more exciting, different profiles, and everything was delicious.  Navigating the event with food in one hand and a glass in the other we had to stop at the Stella booth to get our plate that had a holder for your wine glass.  They were also handing out full glasses of Stella and I actually got a few new wine and beer glasses to add to my bar at home!   Jamie and I did a mini-vodka tasting at Infuse Vodka before we left the event and I was excited because we sell that brand of Vodka at Bar Lubitsch.  We covered as much ground as we could in the two hours we were there but I can totally understand why some people get an all-weekend pass so they can leisurely make their way around the whole Festival.

Overall, it was quite the experience, and something I'm so lucky to have been able to attend.  This was one of my dreams come true and now that I've been to my first Food & Wine Festival, I can't wait to go again.  And this time, I'll have a complete game plan so I can find my favorite restaurants and try more incredible food :)  Thank you Jamie! 

*I wish I had taken more photos of the food, but because our hands were full, it was hard to take pictures along the way.  Photos from the event can be seen on LA Food & Wine's Instagram profile at: https://instagram.com/lafoodwine/* 

August Karaoke

It was a really busy month of Karaoke at Gabe's in August!  I had lots of visitors from out of town, and friends who have been away for a few weeks, so it was nice to see everyone, hear their voices, and get to spend time with them!

Eric Clapton "Layla"

Roxette "The Look"

Jewel "Don't"

30 Seconds to Mars "The Kill"

Ozzy Osbourne & Lita Ford "If I Close My Eyes Forever"

Gnarles Barkley "Crazy"

Jason Mraz & Colbie Callait "Lucky"

Celine Dion "Because You Loved Me"

Les Miserables "I Dreamed A Dream"

Madonna "Like A Prayer"

The Carpenters "Superstar"

LeAnn Rimes "Right Kind Of Wrong"

En Vogue "Don't Let Go"

Heart "Secret"

Alannah Myles "Black Velvet"

Bryan Adams "Everything I Do, I Do It For You"

Carrie Underwood "Before He Cheats"

No Doubt "Sunday Morning"

Savage Garden "I Want You"

Dolly Parton "Jolene"

Since my friend, Paul, was in town from Minnesota that first Wednesday in August, it was a night of rock music and big voices, so I opened with "Layla" and then had to show my softer side with "Don't" by Jewel.  My new song of the night was 30 Seconds to Mars "The Kill" which went surprisingly well since I fully committed to it and I also had a very supportive audience!  Paul and I had sang "If I Close My Eyes Forever" at Boardwalk 11 the last time he was in town but it was new for me at Gabe's and I was a little more prepared this time around.  It was great to see him, along with McCracken, who was in LA for a minute, all the way from North Carolina!  I opened the second week with my new song of the night, "Crazy" by Gnarles Barkley, another choice I was very happy with, since it worked for my range.  There was even a 'Les Miserables' super-set with Rachel and Adam!  Since Jamie and I were going to see Heart at the Hollywood Bowl that next weekend, my new song of the night was "Secret."  It's one of my favorite Heart songs!  I also sang some songs that night I hadn't sang in a really long time, 'Superstar,' 'Don't Let Go,' and 'Black Velvet.'  We were incredibly busy the last Wednesday in August so I opened with some country, got the 90's pop/punk going, went straight pop with some fast talking for my new song, Savage Garden's "I Want You."  You definitely know it!  Then back to country to close out the night.

Lovelies with me at Gabe's for Karaoke :)

It was a really fun month of Karaoke and I got to add some music to my History and bring in a lot of new people to Karaoke!  Also, for the past month at Karaoke, I took a little break from drinking and have noticed a major change in my voice.  It's such an obvious thing, but in practicing it, I actually noticed how much easier it is to hit higher notes, and how my tone is clearer.  I love having a glass of wine at Dinner or while my girlfriends and I are watching 'The Bachelorette' so I don't want to stop doing that forever, but it's been nice to majorly cut down the drinking, and entirely during Karaoke.  Although, I'm sure the Chardonnay, Sambuca, and Gin really miss me ;)

School's back in session now that it's September so that means we'll be getting some newbies into Gabe's, and we've got shows opening for CAC Studios, so we'll be protecting our voices a little bit more.  That doesn't mean the fun stops though, so join us every Wednesday for exciting Karaoke and a grand time!