Bridge School Benefit Concert: Sat. October 25th, 2008

Last night marked another concert I can add to my list. I love going to see live music. Pop, Jazz, R'n'b, etc. It's all good. Last night I went to the Bridge School Benefit Concert at Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View.

The Lineup: Neil Young, Jack Johnson, Norah Jones, Sarah McLachlan, Death Cab for Cutie, Wilco, Cat Power, Band of Horses.

I really liked Jack Johnson, Sarah McLaclan and Death Cab for Cutie. Norah Jones went too country/dixie for me to enjoy. I thought Cat Power's voice was also awesome. Was a good experience under the stars on a chilly evening in the Silicon Valley.

Today, they're gonna be adding Josh Groban and Smashing Pumpkins.

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Next Concert: Madonna, Oakland Arena, Nov. 1st

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Bands/Solo Artists I've seen in the past:

Some Context: Some of these performances were seen in massive-lineup-style (a la 102.7 KIIS FM's Wango Tango) or a solo concert with opening acts. Some of these peformances I didn't seek to see but happened to be performing. In many cases, I've seen artists before they 'broke it big' when they were an opener, etc. So yea... don't judge. Haha.

The Monkees (sometime in the 80's during their reunion, I'm told)
Paul McCartney
John Mayer (x3)
Sheryl Crow
Maroon 5
Ben Folds
New Kids on the Block (circa 2008)
Donna Summer (circa 2008 Crayons Tour)
Natasha Bedingfield
The Spice Girls (circa 2008)
John Legend (@ Google)
Good Charlotte (@ Google)
Jimmy Buffett (x2 - Wrigley Field and @ Google)
Wyclef Jean (@ Google)
Justin Timberlake (x2)
The Black Eyed Peas
Christina Aguilera
Pink
Danity Kane
The Pussycat Dolls
The Counting Crows
The Killers
The Fray
Gwen Stefani
No Doubt
Kelly Rowland
Kelly Clarkson
Clay Aiken
Tim McGraw
Keith Urban
Bosson (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '00)
Eifel 65 (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '00)
Hanson (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '00)
Marc Antony (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '00)
Jessica Simpson (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '00)
Brian McKnight (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '00)
Jessica Simpson (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '00)
Sugar Ray (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '00)
Goo Goo Dolls (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '00)
Lenny Kravitz (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '00)
Enrique Igelisias (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '00)
Sisqo (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '00)
3LW (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '01)
The Backstreet Boys (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '01)
American Hi-Fi (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '01)
Dream (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '01)
Eden's Crush (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '01)
Nelly Furtado (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '01)
Nikka Costa (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '01)
Shaggy (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '01)
Sean 'Puffy' Combs (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '01)
Ricky Martin (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '01)
Samantha Mumba (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '01)
Wayne Newton (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '01)
Aerosmith (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '01)
The Bee Gees (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '01)
Vertical Horizon (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '01)
Vanessa Carlton (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '02)
Michelle Branch (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '02)
O-Town (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '02)
Craig David (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '02)
India Arie (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '02)
Marc Antony (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '02)
Paulino Rubio (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '02)
Nick Carter (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '02)
Kelly Osbourne (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '02)
Alanis Morissette (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '02)
Celine Dion (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '02)
Ja Rule w/ Ashanti (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '02)
Will Smith (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '02)
Sting (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '03)
Carlos Santana (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '03)
Ruben Studdard (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '03)
Lisa Marie Presley (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '03)
Mark McGrath (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '03)
Michelle Branch (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '03)
Craig David (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '03)
Jennifer Love Hewitt (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '03)
Snoop Dogg (Kiis Fm Jingle Ball '03)
Alicia Keys (Kiis Fm Jingle Ball '03)
Avril Lavigne (Kiis Fm Jingle Ball '03)
Christina Milian (Kiis Fm Jingle Ball '03)
JoJo (Kiis Fm Jingle Ball '03)
Ashlee Simpson (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '04)
The Backstreet Boys (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '04)
Cassidy (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '04)
Enrique Iglesias (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '04)
Fefe Dobson (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '04)
The Black Eyed Peas (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '04)
Hilary & Haylie Duff (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '04)
J-Kwon (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '04)
JC Chasez (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '04)
Janet Jackson (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '04)
Jessica Simpson (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '04)
Clay Aiken (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '04)
Kimberley Locke (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '04)
Lenny Kravitz (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '04)
N.E.R.D. (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '04)
Big Boi of Outkast (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '04)

Once A Diva, Always a Diva - Donna Summer Concert Highlights (Saratoga, CA)

When you hear the word 'Diva,' who do you think of? Patti Labelle, Diana Ross, Beyonce? Um, I would throw the ultimate Disco Diva right up there at the top! Of course, It's Donna Summer. She's had an amazing career, most notably in the 70's and 80's. She actually hasn't had an album of new material for close to two decades until Crayons was release earlier this year. She has had a sprinkling of new singles and the occasional recording for a movie soundtrack.

Her concert at the Mountain Winery in Saratoga, CA has been on my radar for a few months. I never purchased tickets because I didn't think I knew anyone who wanted to go. Remember, I'm a 24 year old. Donna was at her top before I was born! But you know what, two days ago I said screw that! How often do you get to see a diva perform new and old material? I plunked down the cash for a seat in the front section, seven rows from the stage. It's probably been the best location I've had at a concert. You know what, I don't regret it.

I got off work, grabbed dinner at then drove down 85 to Sarataga. It was my first time driving that far in Saratoga. The Mountain Winery is located a top a hill that overlooks the whole Silicon Valley. The views are pretty stunning, especially at night.Yesterday there was a bit of a noticeable haze hovering the city. But it was still beautiful! The venue itself is going under upgrades, but apparently new seats were just installed last week. All of the regulars were talking up the new seats. I walked around the facilities and found it quaint and cute. It kind of reminded me of a a sophisticated community theater type of feel because it's so intimate, yet classy.

The concert started around 7:30pm and it was only her. No openers, just Donna. Sadly, no cameras were allowed. They were hella strict about it too! I haven't been to a concert where they were like that. They were freakin' Nazi's about it. I saw several people get yelled at and threatened by staff. I did manage to snap a few poor quality pictures on my camera phone, though. If you want good pictures from Donna's 'Stamp Your Feet World Tour,' I suggest you head on over to see Dulcito's album on Flickr from her show in Richmond, B.C. Apparently Donna decided to play after I already left Vancouver (right across from Richmond, B.C.) after Pride. Darn. Haha.

Anywho, her set list was fairly 50/50 with new material from Crayons and classic material. I personally was fairly happy with it, but I definitely would have loved a longer show. Here was the set list:

[Intro: Electronic Beethoven's Fifth / Changing of the Guards.]
The Queen is Back (from the album Crayons)
I Feel Love
Dim all the Lights
I'm a Fire (from the album Crayons)

Sand on my Feet (from the album Crayons)
On the Radio
Mr. Music (from the album Crayons)
Crayons (from the album Crayons)

--- approx 15-20 minute intermission ---

No More Tears (Enough is Enough)
MacArthur Park
Bring Down the Reign (from the album Crayons)
Stamp Your Feet (from the album Crayons)
Slide Over Backwards (from the album Crayons)
Selah [wardrobe change - backup singer Mary Ellen Bernard]

She Works Hard for the Money
Bad Girls
Hot Stuff
Last Dance [Encore]

I personally would have love to have heard the following songs too:

• I will go with you (Con Te Partiro)
• Heaven Knows
• Could it be magic?
• Sunset People
• This time I know it's for real
• Power of love

The demographics of the concert were pretty spot on to what I expected... my parents generation (straight 50's and 60's) and the gays who lived through the 90's disco revival (late 30's and 40's). I felt like I totally didn't fit in the crowd, but whatever. I felt like the crowd was mostly comprised of well-to-do Silicon Valley locals who could afford the tickets. They were the second priciest for this season's Mountain Winery concert series. You didn't see too many minorities, although there were some. I was surprised at how many few gays there were. I thought there would be more, not to say there weren't any. A few people dressed up in 80's gear. There were also some cute couples near the front of the stage that slow danced to songs like 'Last Dance.'

Overall, I thought Donna's voice was surprisingly strong, except for the first song 'The Queen is Back.' The sista can sing! She was also very playful throughout the concert. She had several jokes... one that I remember in particular was 'You know, I was voted the nicest Diva. I'd beat you up and give you a cotton ball after.'

The set was also very good considering how small the venue was. The set consisted of a 3 panel L.E.D. system flashing images in relation to the topic of the song. For example, flames for 'I'm a fire.'

Her wardrobes were quite good too. I think she changed about 4 to 5 times.

Her backup dancers were really fun! There were 3 guys: two black and one white. They totally pumped up the crowd and helped set the mood. They also helped bring a sense of youthfulness, to the otherwise post-Vh1 feel of the crowd.

She's got one more show in California at the Paramount Theater in Oakland. I'd imagine all the gays will be showing up to that one...

Bonus Material: Video Opener to the Ottowa Show

Spicing up DC

I arrived in Washington DC via a Red Eye Virgin America flight this morning. I slept most of the afternoon.

I then caught the Spice Girls in Concert at Verizon Center with Brent and James. I also ran into Matty, who I met through Ty. It's a small world.

A bigger post will come later. :)

The Fray Concert Aftermath

The Fray Shoreline Headliner
Originally uploaded by wkivinski.

The Fray concert on Saturday night was soooo fun. I only knew like 3 of their songs before going to the concert, but the test of true artists is the ability to make you like all of their material. I loved their music sooo much. It was amazing performed live. All 4 members have the ability to sing... which is rare for a group.

I ended up going with Steph K., Danny, Steph W., Theresa, Mahin and Hilary. We camped out in the lawn section. I was prepped with my blanket, jacket, bottle of water and contraband bottle cap. Why a bottle cap? Last time when I was seeing Gwen Stefani, you couldn't bring water with a cap on it. They took it away from you. Lol.

The lawn section is cool because you can just be silly, lounge, eat some munchies and lay down and watch the stars. We also dished about boys much of the time. I felt bad for Danny, but that's what happens when you go to a concert with a bunch of girls and a gay guy.

The demographics of the concert were a bit of a surprise. I was expecting it to be an 'adult contemporary' crowd (you know... 21ish to 40). To my surprise, the crowd was mostly comprised of teens. I felt like I needed to be going through puberty or something to get in. It also reminded me a lot of Orange County for some reason. I dunno, it was a mix of the venue, crowd and weather.

I wish I was holding a boy during some points of the concert. The music was just that beautiful. Steph W. and I gave each other hugs when we were both thinking the same thing (wishing we were with a sig ot.)

My favorite moment of the night was when The Fray did an acoustic cover of Shakira's "Hips Don't Lie.' It was pure genius. A great mix of humor and actual talent. I also liked when the lead singer brought up his daughter near the end of the show. That was super cute. Oh... Joe King (one of the guitar players) is a total hottie.

Pics for your pleasure:

The Fray at Shoreline Amphitheater

I'm off to see The Fray tonight at the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, CA at 7:30pm.

I'm going with a few co-workers. We've got lawn seats... and a picnic basket. So watch out!

This is one of numerous concerts I've attended in the past year or so:

• John Mayer & Sheryl Crow
• Kelly Clarkson
• Justin Timberlake & P!nk
• Christina Aguilera, The Pussycat Dolls & Danity Kane
• John Mayer & Ben Folds
• Gwen Stefani & Akon

Spice Girls Reunion.... Anyone?

So the word on the street is that the Spice Girls are reuniting for an 11-city world tour kicking off in Los Angeles, CA on Dec 7th, 2007. Can we see a resurgence of sugary pop-licious music after nearly a decade of dominating Hip Hop? We can only hope...

Which cities will be oh so lucky to see the Spice Girls stop by their neck of the woods?

• Los Angeles
• Las Vegas
• New York
• London
• Cologne, Germany
• Madrid, Spain
• Beijing
• Hong Kong
• Sydney, Australia
• Cape Town, South Africa
• Buenos Aires, Argentina

In case you were quick to forget, the Spice Girls had such lovable songs as 'Holler,' 'Wannabe' and '2 become 1.'

Interestingly enough, in recent memory, I've been listening to their last album 'Forever' (2000). They have some great tunes on that album. It's somewhat hip-hop centric. Their other two albums include 'Spice' (1997) and 'Spiceworld' (1997).

Who would like to join me in some random city to see some Spicy Music?

Gwen Stefani Concert (6.19.07) at Shoreline Amphitheatre - Mountain View, CA

I headed to Shoreline Amphitheatre to see Gwen Stefani in Concert a few days back. The good thing is that I can walk from work directly to the amphitheatre without having to drive. The downside is that getting out of the area after the concert is crazy madness. I think I'll have a couple of tricks up my sleeve next time around.

Anywho, We got to the concert on time and found out that there is a 'no cap' or 'can' policy when entering the show. Apparently the rules get stricter depending on who's performing.

The concert was really fun. I know all of her solo stuff, so I was familiar with all of the tracks. She was really interactive with the audience and seemed to love to be in Nor Cal. At one point she went into the audience, grabbed a girl's purse, and proceeded to open up and take a look at what was inside. That was really funny. Oh... and Gwen has quite the potty mouth. It was funny cause some of the parents would cover their children's ears. We were sitting near the 'family section' on the lawn.

Here are a few pics:

John Mayer / Ben Folds Concert (Tuesday June 5th, 2007)

This past Tuesday I had the pleasure of seeing both John Mayer and Ben Folds in concert at HP Pavilion in San Jose.

I drove up from LA and made it to the South Bay around 6pm, which was a perfect amount of time to meet up with Nai and drive to the concert. Nai was a bit sick, but I still think he had fun.

The Highlights:

• Saw the one of the Google VP's I know at the concert.
• Ben Folds using a synthesizer to cover 'Such Great Heights.'
• John Mayer babbling about random 80's nostalgia.

The Set List:

John Mayer's set list was pretty phenomenal. I liked how he did a mix of new and old. Past concerts tend to lean toward new stuff. According to his website, this was his set list:

Belief
No Such Thing
Good Love is On the Way
Gravity
Bigger Than My Body
Dreaming With A Broken Heart
Vultures
I Don't Need No Doctor
Wheel
Why Georgia
Waiting on the World to Change
-- encore --
Slow Dancing (acoustic)
83 (acoustic)
Who Did You Think I Was (acoustic)
I'm Gonna Find Another You

Some Pictures:

John Mayer & Ben Folds - June 5, 2007

Fun Week Ahead

So the next week or so will be great. I'm looking forward to a few things in particular:

• Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards stops by the headquarters of Google in Mountain View, CA today.
• The grand opening of Hunters Nightclub in San Jose on Friday.
• Driving to Los Angeles on Saturday morning. Just a random weekend visit. You can probably catch me roaming WeHo at night.
  
• Possibly meeting up with my old US Chamber of Commerce boss, Brent, in San Diego this weekend. I haven't seen him in about a year.
• Working from the Santa Monica Google Office on Monday 6/4/07 so I don't have to use a vacation day. I love this office!
• Going to the Spanish Art Gallery at the Mission Inn in Riverside, CA for the annual UCR Highland Banquet on Monday 6/4/07.
• The John Mayer Concert at the HP Pavilion in San Jose on Tuesday 6/5/07. Ben Folds 5 is the opener. Yay!

Darren Hayes Does SF

Why is Darren Hayes' only Bay Area concert on the SAME DAY as Gwen Stefani's? Sigh.

I already have lawn tix to Gwen. But they were cheap... so it won't be a big deal if I didn't go. The good thing is that it's right next to work though... so no commute whereas Darren's show is in San Francisco and starts at 8pm.

It's like Rare vs. Money.
Choices Choices.

Weekend Plans: Christina Aguilera & Random Bay Area Travel

So this weekend will be super fun. Cindy, my college buddy, will be coming up to Nor Cal on Friday.

I have the Christina Aguilera / Pussycat Dolls / Danity Kane concert on Saturday night in San Jose. I'll be going with Alex. We bought our tickets like in October of last year. Craziness. There are TWO parties going on Saturday night that I would love to go to, but with the concert and all, it will be nearly impossible.

I'll be hanging out with Cindy on Saturday night after the concert and Sunday afternoon. I'm still trying to decide what we should do. I was thinking Santa Cruz or maybe Half Moon Bay. Something picturesque and away from SF. Or maybe we'll do both... I dunno.