Cue the Fireworks
Rush at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on May 8th, 2008
Rush wrapped up their two nights at the Nokia Theatre with an energetic and forceful show that reminded me why I became a fan of theirs nearly 20 years ago. The first concert on Tuesday was no slouch but the band and crew really nailed the encore performance by dialing in the sound to near perfection and delivering a lively pair of sets heightened by a dazzling lighting display , punctual pyrotechnics and spot-on video accompaniment. Out of the five times I have seen Rush, I would rank yesterday just below the 1996 tour in support of Test for Echo in terms of my personal enjoyment as it transpired. After a quick jaunt to Las Vegas tomorrow, their run of four California shows concludes on Sunday with a gig at Verizon Wireless Ampitheatre in Irvine. I would seriously consider attending if I didn’t already have big plans in store for that Mother’s Day evening.
As for tonight, the Lakers look to keep their undefeated playoffs streak alive as they visit Utah for game three of the Western conference semi-finals. Tip-off is scheduled for shortly after 6 pm; watch it on ESPN. Tomorrow begins back-to-back jam-themed double bills as the Stanton Moore Trio plays The Mint with Big Organ Trio handling opening duties. Stanton Moore, the ceaselessly exuberant drummer of Galactic, will be joined on stage by a duo of Wills: Will Bernard on guitar and Wil Blades on organ, last seen with Skerik and Mike Dillon in the wee hours of New Year’s Day at the Boom Boom Room. If other recent weekend shows at The Mint are any indication, get your dancing shoes ready because this stands to be a groovy party that should extend close to the witching hour of 2 am. Time is running out to mail Mother’s Day cards or gifts, so unless you’re seeing Mom in person on Sunday, I’d make my way to the post office now to get it postmarked for speedy delivery. I’ll be sure to give a cross-country phone call before heading out to the Greek Theatre for a glorious outdoor event with musicians Grace Potter and the Nocturnals followed by headliner Phil Lesh and Friends. We’re celebrating a pair of birthdays in the back benches, row C on the aisle, so if you make it to Griffith Park and feel like joining in the festivities, by all means come and say hello. It’s been a long week, but a good one; we’ll see you back here on Monday for more sports, music, and entertainment news at My Wear & Tear!
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