It’s a lovely venue, nestled in the Hollywood Hills just a little way down from the Griffith Observatory.  It’s an open air venue, and despite being right in the middle of Los Angeles, is surrounded by open woodland.  It was wonderfully tranquil, sitting in their little cafe under the paper lanterns and fairy lights, with a view of nothing but lush evergreens, listening to the birds before the concert.

We knew we wouldn’t have time to eat beforehand, so we ordered a nice little picnic basket dinner with a bottle of chilled white zinfandel, and while it was overpriced, it was also quite delicious.  After our second bottle of wine, we both agreed we’d had much worse and paid more for the pleasure.  I kept a tasty lemon cookie in my pocket for later, and nommed on it throughout the show.

Cae puts on a great show, and always plays in good venues.  There are a lot of brasilieros here in LA, and his fans are particularly dedicated, so most of the audience sang along with the songs.  I’ve only got the vaguest idea what most of his songs are about, but I sing along as well.  He’s very political, but the strange and wonderful thing about tropicalia is that it’s hopeful, uplifting. It’s a song to carry in your heart, even if the lyrics are about poverty and violence.

During the encore a lot of people left their seats, so I followed suit, and being both tiny and female, was able to squeeze right up to the stage.  The stage wasn’t that high, but still, he had to reach quite a way down.  Tiny girl hands with sparkly glitter polish always get touched.  *sigh*  He has soft, strong hands.

Everything about Caetano Veloso makes me happy.  He’s the father of a whole musical genre, but he’s still humble.  He’s very good to his band mates onstage, even though they’re quite young, they’re all highly skilled musicians, and he lets them shine.  It seems as if generosity of spirit comes easily to him.

Speaking of generosity, his new album “zii e zie” is online for listening in its entirety.  Check it out.  It’s edgy and like most of his work, is solidly grounded in rock and roll, but is also soothing and melodious.  I think you’ll like it.

Hirst Books is going to publish my Anthony Ainley biography!
…now I just have to WRITE it!

The set from Cecil B. DeMille’s Ten Commandments still exists — it’s half-lost under the sand up in Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes.  Apparently he couldn’t take it with him, but he didn’t want anyone else to use it, and so when filming was finished, he had it buried.  There’s one guy who’s been trying to excavate it for the last twenty-five years or so, and even though he’s had quite a lot of interest, he’s never been able to raise the money.  Oh, lost causes.  <3

D*face takes on the Academy with an installation at a beloved local dive, Mel’s Drive-In, just off Hollywood Blvd.  Perhaps it’s a reminder of the easily exposed and all too human underside of LA, or perhaps it’s commentary on the illusionary immortality granted by fame.  Maybe he just wanted to irk the Academy.  However you care to interpret it, I think it’s fabulous.

There was…

Katy Manning, who is just about the sweetest, most blitz woman I’ve ever met.  We’ve sworn to get into lots of trouble next time we meet up. <3

The incredible Mr. Tony Lee, who skipped across the room to meet me, but was otherwise well-behaved as he is now in pre-marriage mode.  Yay Tony!

Nick Briggs, who I met at TARDIS, but never actually got to have a conversation with, and as always, Rob Shearman, who has become quite a good friend.

This was the first, and almost definitely the last masquerade I’ve entered, it was a fairly harrowing experience for little to no reward, but hey…  I went as the Second Doctor, as a 20’s Flapper, and nobody recognized me, hooray!

Finally, I want to alert you all to a new tradition — the Saturday Night TARDIS PJ party!  Whoo hoo!  Wear your jammies like it’s 1999!  Or something.  Yanno.

…and so the battle continues between Banksy and King Robbo.

I first found out about Banksy when his work was used for the cover of Adbusters, which I stopped buying years ago when the irony of buying an anti-consumer magazine finally got under my skin, but I’ve been a fan of his since.  Really I know nothing about street art, but I enjoy the style.

I’m finding this rather fascinating.

It’s not commonly known that the Hollywood sign is on private property — but it is, and that land is due to be sold.  The Trust for Public Land is trying to buy it, but they need to raise a good deal of money in a very short amount of time.  We’re all a bit short on cash at the moment, but you can join up on their Facebook or Twitter pages for free, and help spread the word!

Went to a screening of “My Name is Jerry” this evening, which is great by the way.  It’s well made, has a very sweet story, and is really just a cute little film all around.  It’s on the festival circuit right now, and should be coming out on DVD soon.  I totally recommend it.

While I was there I caught up with the always awesome Doug Jones, who was there with family, including his fantastic niece Jessie…  and yes, they really are that tall.  (I’m 5′1.)

It was an excellent night.  I always enjoy going to screenings of Doug’s latest films, because the people who show up all tend to be friends and fans of his, and somehow he just attracts wonderful people.  Even better, he’s great about introducing everyone, so you’re never at a loss for someone interesting to chat with — I usually end up hanging around for hours after!

Anyway, home now, and to bed soon, methinks, before I turn into a pumpkin…