ZZ Top-arokie

Had a total blast last night.

Got inspired to go to the Snoqualmie Casino for Sunday night "Rockarokie" (Karaoke with a live band). When I got there, around 6pm, the parking lots were packed! I figured there must be some kind of concert happening. And, judging by all of the 50 and 60-somethings dressed in tight leather, boots and animal prints, I figured it must be some sort of Classic Rawk band.

Yup, right again. I found a parking space in the nether regions, and went to the bus shelter to wait for the casino shuttle. In the shelter I encountered a well-dressed woman enjoying her cigarette and said to her "guess I picked the wrong night to come to the casino - do you know what band is giving a concert tonight?"

"ZZ Top", she said.

'OH! No wonder there's so much black leather in attendance" I said

"Wanna go? I have an extra ticket." she replied. (!!!)

"SURE!", I exclaimed.

Her name was Terry and she explained to me that the friend who was supposed to join her suddenly got sick and that everyone else had commitments. We both, instantly felt that we were supposed to meet and that it was destiny for me to be her "date" for the night.

I had such fun!

I forgot how many ZZ Top hits I knew, from my KISW and KZOK days. I danced myself silly.

Rock concerts for older people are certainly different from days gone by. First of all, the show started ON TIME at 6PM!!! A 6pm Rock Concert!!!! Must be so the aging band and fans could all get to bed at a decent hour. The music, while loud, was not ear-splitting. The sound, in fact was mixed surprisingly well for an outdoor venue. I thought it sounded a little too good, though. Could not help wondering how much of it was live and how much was recorded. I was thrilled that the band played some Hendrix, as well, proving that they knew more than 3 chords and had some technical prowess. All-in-all, a very good show. A little slick for my tastes, but well done.

Then, Terry and I went to the lounge, where Rockarokie was well underway. Solid musicians were playing backup for some really great guest vocalists last night. Some big surprises - especially the rock-star "Dave" who could sing Janis Joplin like nobody's business and did a knock-your-socks-off version of "Bang Your Head". OMFG. This guy was a total rock god. Wonder who he really is and what his story is??

What did I sing? You're not going to believe it. Barry Manilow's "Copacabana". I know. But, something inside of me INSISTED that I sing it. It was totally in the wrong key for me, so I wound up "acting" most of the lyrics and only singing the choruses. Ah, that Latin beat - my underused hips had an on-stage workout. It felt so good to move, after being so sick for what felt like ages - 2 1/2 months maybe? People kept coming up to me and complimenting me on it. LONG after I had sung it! Amazing. I am always surprised when people say nice things. I crave it but I'm still surprised.

My second tune - The Police's "Every Breath You Take". Once again, channeling my crazy-ass inner stalker and making the song a creepy anthem - especially my wailing bridge. "Since You've gone I've been lost - without a trace / I feel it now I can only see your face / I look around and its you I can't replace / I feel so cold and I long for your embrace / I keep crying, baby...baby...PLEASE....." I got really worked up on that part last night, leaving no one in the audience in any doubt about the song's intentions. It felt great to sing it and I think I got a lot of angst out of my system.

Plus, I made a new friend. I really had fun with Terry! She's a total spitfire of a woman, a mother and grandmother of 6!!! She joined the Army at age 32, and was first married at 16!! (she's had the fortitude to walk down that aisle 3 times) Loved talking to her! Hope to see Terry again soon.

Wonderful surprises can still happen and life can still be great.

Who Knew?