I’m here in Long Beach at Belmont Heights Tattoo Boutique with the band Heavenly Trip To Hell and I’m excited to finally get to talk about the new single and music video “Millions of Flowers”. The video is amazing and the song really kicks ass. We need to talk about the video, who made it, and who’s idea was it. But first, can the band please introduce themselves?

GC/Heavenly Trip To Hell is Gerardo Christ on vocals, Sergio Natas on bass guitar and back up vocals, Vicky Viciouss on Keyboards and back up vocals, Kurt Thompson on lead guitar, Jose Soto on drums and Frank Transers on rythm guitar.

EJ / Gerardo Christ can you tell us a little bit about “Millions of Flowers”?

GC / The song was recorded at Fuel Music Studio by Addassi Addassi and, for me, it was an amazing experience. “Million of Flowers” is a song about real life situations and experiences, but I’m sure Sergio can tell you better. He can tell you about the video and who made it and the inspiration behind it.

EJ/ Sergio Natas can you tell me about the music video and the concept of it? And how was the writing process and recording of “Millions of Flowers”?

SN/Jesse Jacobellis is the director and creator of the music video . Jesse is a phenomenally talented multi media artist who lended his artistic talent and vision, helping to bring the images you see in the video to life.The main idea for the video was conceived from our band logo Xochipilli the aztec god of music, dance and flowers. I wanted to see the lyrics of the song “Millions of Flowers” brought to life in the music video. I suggested some of the imagery in the video and Jesse went through the roof.The writing process for “Millions of Flowers” was very organic, upbeat and natural. We try not to push things or musical ideas which are not meant to happen. For me, the music we create needs to make me escape reality and feel emotion.I know we are on the right path when we play and this happens. This song started from Vicky’s synthesizer hooks and adding simple guitar.The music ideas quickly were embedded and we continued to structure the song in HTTH fashion . The lyrics take on a dark subject matter inspired by the untimely death of loved ones , mythology and our ancestral heritage.The recording process was very straight forward and to the point if I recall. There was no need for anything special or studio magic. Addassi at Fuel Music studios produced the song and is one of the best producers in Southern California. If your shit sucks, he’ll tell you “ it’s no good “ and make you rewrite your song on the spot . You have to appreciate this type of sincerity.

EJ/Vicky Viciouss can you tell us about “Millions of Flowers” and the creative and writing process of writing new music.

VV/ I am the keyboard player for Heavenly Trip To Hell. I love going into the studio to create music with the band. Writting music is exciting to me. It makes me feel alive and energized. Millions of Flowers talks about the loss of loved ones and the reality that death is coming for all of us. It’s a wake up call that we need to accept death and enjoy every single day of this life because as the lyrics say “all these flowers won’t bring you back.” The creative and writing process of writing new music has become like second nature to me. I am surrounded by some very talented musicians in the band and it’s really cool to have the freedom to do whatever we want. We pretty much jam in the studio and then start writing the music as we go. We don’t try to overthink it. We try to keep it as simple as possible. The end result is always music that drives us.

EJ/ Kurt can you tell me about playing guitar in Heavenly Trip To Hell, and what’s new?

KT/ I feel like “Millions of Flowers” is a kick ass song and the guitars kick fucken ass. Thank you to Addassi at Fuel Music Studios and the band for always rocking. We’re ready to take over the world….

EJ/ Frank Transers how is playing in Heavenly Trip To Hell since you are the newest member?

FT/ Well I love playing in the band and making music that I love. We play music we like we don’t give a fuck what’s popular. The band just loves to play and I need that . Music saved my life…

EJ/ Jose what do you see in the future for the band with this new single “Million of Flowers”?

JS/ We are having our video release party at Dipiazza’s on Friday November 8th. The address is 5205 Pacific Coast Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90804.

It’s going to be an epic party. I believe the new song is super strong and we are ready to tour the world. I am excited for our future.

EJ/ Well, this is Electric Jihad with Lost Anarchy and our leader Mojo El Diablo telling you that the new single “Million of Flowers” is an amazing song with an equally amazing video out November 8th 2024 on all platforms so check it out.

Once upon a time, in a far-off land glittering with dreamers, artists, and the intoxicating pulse of the night was that magical place known as Hollywood—there was little ol’ me, draped in glamour and mystery, alongside the one and only Mojo El Diablo, embarking on our nightly escapades. 

 It was a chilly, beguiling evening in 2007, the kind of night where the stars themselves seemed to whisper secrets to those who dared to listen. We were on our way to Bar Sinister, lured by the promise of a band called “New Rising Son.” Mojo was in quite the fervor, prattling endlessly about some fellow named Matthew Roberts—a man with a peculiar claim, being none other than the son of the infamous Charles Manson. Mojo was positively obsessed with the idea of introducing him to Stanton LaVey, grandson of the legendary Anton LaVey. It was all rather… dramatic. Though I tried to silence Mojo’s incessant ramblings, something in my soul told me there was more to this than idle talk. Ah, the powers of manifestation. Who can truly say where fantasy ends and reality begins? 

 After watching the band and because I myself had been someone intrigued by the stories of Charles Manson and noticed the resemblance between this incredible musician I had just seen perform and his “father”. I knew I had to introduce myself. Immediately meeting Matthew there was a connection between us. 

However I don’t think that was because I was special or anything after speaking with him in a very loud club like setting i noticed that in our very corner there was a peaceful intimacy about his energy which make all outside distractions disappear. And then, as if on cue, Stanton LaVey appeared from the shadows—oh, yes, I knew him slightly, and I knew, at that moment, that I had to seize my opportunity. With a flourish that only I could pull off, I made the introduction. And darling, as Mojo would later say, *history was made!* The two became fast friends, and I had once again beat Mojo at his own game! After this evening I began an ongoing friendship with both Matthew and an even closer connection with Stanton. Both of whom were not evil whatsoever, both incredibly good gentleman who I was very fond of spending time with and having some of the most amazing philosophical conversations when in their presence. Mojo was well let’s say… a little jealous.  

One evening after being followed by under cover cops through out our evenings plans we ended up hanging out at Stanton’s apartment where Matthew read my palm. I remember him looking at my hand and then he started crying and gave me a hug. What he told me I won’t reveal and I’ll never ever speak the words out loud as words have power beyond anything. I will cherish his love for humanity and his friends amongst the memories I have to keep. 

 Although I have been distant from Hollywood for quite sometime the people I have had the honor of knowing will always hold a strong place in my heart and soul which is why on the evening of Wednesday, September 4 I was contacted and informed that Matthew Roberts had passed the previous day on September 3rd from complications of a hernia surgery he was found by his friend Shawna who has shared these sentiments “My world looks different now that I know he is not in it.

“It is with a very heavy heart I share the news of Matthew Robert’s passing yesterday. I loved him like a brother and considered him a great friend. He was a talented musician along with many other intuitive gifts, he once figured out that my house had mold…he saved my life! I will miss him deeply. I feel like he never got a fair shake in life…I am gutted. We are planning a Memorial event for Matthew at Boardners, Tricia has graciously offered this space that Matthew loved. Please spread the word and write me if you want to be included. We are waiting to hear when the venue is available. Rest in Peace my friend.” ~ Vickie Hamilton (Talent Manager) Matthew like many of us had his ups and downs, addictions, and life’s fair share of bullshit. However he found a world of his own in his music and art. Unfortunately he spent his lifetime not knowing who his real father was however in later years after having countless communications with Charles Manson, Charlie passed and a DNA test was indeed finally done. Matthew shared on a podcast called “Daze with Josh the Lion” that the results have set him free and to know that he is now able to be who he is and move forward knowing that people will like his music for his music and not because of a connection to Charles Manson. 

 Matthew you made those around you feel love, you were a creative force tangled in the webs of Hollywood you my friend are now going to shinning above and around us all. I do not feel that Matthew is gone from our lives, I do not feel that death holds that kind of power and I believe Matthew felt the same as I on this. With a soul as true and deep as his can never truly be gone but transformed into something more magical. That’s all for now… Don’t miss me too much! 

We’s back again w/ Bluesetta and here’s what she had to say…HOW ARE YA?

B: I got a book deal about my crazy life and will be publishing next Spring. Wow looking at a speaking tour across the nation and the world. John Belushi told me to think big! Just took awhile.

HOW WAS THE EMERALD CUP?

B: my good friend Tim Blake moved it to Oakland and it was a good vibe, well attended event. It is smaller now that all the products submitted must be licensed. There are still a lot of “traditional growers” having underground contests, bless their hearts. It was a reunion of the first wave OG activists that created the revolution that legalized pot starting in 1990. I am one of the last of that group of devoted activists. I was the young quiet girl with bright ideas at the very start….8

WHEN YOU DOING THE BAND THING AGAIN?

B: my book company would like me to record a fresh
album for my tour so am talking to musicians for that.

WHATCHA DOING FOR HALLOWEEN SEASON?

B: Dressing up to sell pot at my historic dispensary the Marin Alliance

ANY NEW DISPENSARIES?

B: Nothing new except I have to move my historic club since the landlord is selling the little shopping mall we have been located at since 1997. Up in Marin County, north of SF

ANY LAST WORDS FOR YOUR FANS?

I have been visiting WeHo again once a month to work on my book with my BFF and talk to my Producer friends about creative projects. Am thinking about doing a podcast show possibly. I am in great health and have a wild true story that led to the invention of the first license to sell pot in the world. And then getting sued in civil court by Pres Clinton only to become the test case to stop the cannabis industry. We won! After 19 years of persecution. I fled to hide out in WeHo and I will Alway love my friends in WeHo and at the Rainbow who kept me safe. See you all soon – have been dropping into the Thursday night Rainbow improv jam to let Bluesetta rip some vocals sometimes!

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN UP TO?

SF: LOADS of dancing, some online fun 😉 , making and performing in movies, having drinks, attending festivals, and listening to smutty audiobooks 😛 

DID YOU GO TO NIKSTOCK?

SF: I missed it this year! I was so sad, but had to finish a huge film project… but I’ll be back next year!!

I HEAR YA GOTTA BURLESQUE TROUPE (tell us about it)?

SF: Heck yeah! I am stage kitten, sound designer, stage manager, MC, and performer for Harlesque Burlesque – where we bring the BEST of the Los Angeles burlesque scene together! I have also performed with Versus Events, The Damn Devillez, The Moonshine Maidens, and at festivals all over! I even became an international performer in Mexico this year! 

ANY OTHER PROJECTS?

SF: Yes! I have been actively working with Equity Strippers NOHO on unionizing Star Garden, which has been very empowering. While it’s been a little slow for shows this year, I’ve been looking forward to debuting new acts and reaching a much farther audience in 2025! I can’t wait to get live performance art back in the LA mainstream! 

WHAT MAKES YOU TICK?

SF: Oohhhh…. anything PURPLE, super sexy lingerie, and getting absolutely NAKED while I have cold hard cash thrown at me 😛 

WHO THE HELL IS MRS VALDEZ?

SF: Is this a Deadbolt reference?! Holy hell, I love that song…  as a swing dancer, I love that retro Tiki Vibe. 

TURN ONS?

SF: feathers, leather, strappy lingerie, queer people and cross dressers, painted nails on men, tattoos, girls that I can throw over my shoulder…. I mean… I might be able to fill an entire issue with all of them! 

TURN OFFS?

SF: DO NOT TOUCH MY FEET. I’ll end you. Also, just don’t be an insensitive douchebag…. like… leave others to live their lives, man. 

ANY LAST WORDS FOR YOUR FANS?

SF: Just that I’m always so excited to see them <3 Always come say hi to me if you see me in the default world! I don’t bite 😉

xoxo

<3 Scarlett

Hello Ladies And Gentlemen. Medium and Magician Legion of Lilith here.Today we present to you chanelling of recently Deceased son of Charles Manson. During this chanelling I felt really sad and heavy. His presence in my body drained my energy at a rapid rate. Spirit was not really willing to talk. This was the most I could get out of him after multiple attempts. Spirit was extremely melancholic almost suicidal and extremely emotional even after death.

Here is the Chanelling:

End this. You need to end me. You need to end everything I represented. There is nothing I wish to say, I loved drugs and delirium. It passed away, I loved my father. And the clouds in the grey sky. Now it’s all over. I’m waiting. I wish someone to play electric guitar on my grave. Some soft melancholic tragedy.

I spend my time and money to get dressed up and go to a show to hear the music, and sometimes the message behind it if there is one, not to listen to the performer rant about their social or political views, etc. instead of playing several more songs. If I want to know what their opinions are on subjects not covered in their lyrics then I would much rather read about it on their website, social media or in interviews, etc.. The exception to that is if they are an anarcho-punk or other socially conscious, etc. type of band… but even they better keep it brief, play more songs, and express it more with their lyrics instead. Otherwise, regardless of what type of band they are, if their ranting continues at too many shows in a row then that’s it for me, I don’t bother to go see them anymore.

And if I don’t like or agree with their views that doesn’t necessarily mean that I won’t go see them play anymore, as long as they keep that chatter to a minimum, play plenty of songs that I actually want to hear, and play plenty of them. But if their shows are too inundated with speeches, like it’s a fuckin’ rally or something, and especially if I don”t agree with their views, then I’m out. However, even then that doesn’t necessarily mean that I won’t still listen to their music at home, in the car, at parties, etc. or that I will stop wearing their t-shirts, patches and pins and such. per se… as again; I’m mostly in to the music, and the lyrics too as long as they don’t perturb me. So ultimately it’s really just a case-by-case scenario for me.

COMING NEXT ISSUE (EITHER IN PRINT AND/OR ONLINE): CAPTAIN ANARCHY’S 2024 YEAR-IN-REVIEW MUSIC REVIEWS FEATURING LIZZY BORDEN, ROZZ WILLIAMS MEMORIAL CONCERT, THE HUMPERS w/ THE DRAGONS & THE CRAZY SQUEEZE, BEWITCHER & DEATH SPELL, EXCITER, BLACKBOARD JUNGLE w/ SWINGIN’ THING, GLAMOUR PUNKS & BLACKLIST UNION, “NO VALUES” FEST, THE JONESES & CRYMWAV, DANGEROUS TOYS & STONEBREED, CANDY-O, POISON’US, HURRICANE w/ LONDON & CUTT, TUFF & AMERICAN JETSET, FEAR w/ GIUDA & LOWER CLASS BRATS, AND MAYBE EVEN MUCH MORE !!!

We’s baaaaack w/ Dead West of Screaming Soup…HOW ARE YOU?

SS: Seein’ red after sittin’ through a marathon of Ted V. Mikels movies. Yeesh, that fella loved his gingers!

TIS THE SEASON DONTCHA THINK?

SS: Yup. Costume shops are promotin’ their newest line of slut wear, all our favorite treats have been cross contaminated with pumpkin spice, and everyone feels entitled to press strangers fer a hand out. It’s Halloween!

ANY CONVENTIONS HAPPENING FOR YA?

SS: Sure as wooly boogers snack on their own belly button lint! I’ll be attendin’ Toy Federation’s Retro Toy Con as a special guest once ‘gain, November 22-24 in Greenville, SC. The show has proven to be the go-to event for collectors to hunt down any and all playful plastics from yesteryear and today, and I’ll be pullin’ double duty as the official announcer of the con while hostin’ panels with celebrities from fan favorite franchises like Godzilla, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Spider-Man, Five Nights at Freddy’s, and Star Wars. It’s three days of folks wheelin’ and dealin’ fer their favorite shelf fillers, and Scream Freaks can find me in the thick of it at the Screaming Soup! booth where they can get their picture with me and score a fan club kit full of Screaming Soup! stickers, trading cards, coasters and more!

WHAT’S GOING ON W/ THE KILLER TOMATOES?

SS: The Attack of the Killer Tomatoes brand is on the rise! Since releasin’ Screaming Soup! Presents the Attack of the Killer Tomatoes Retrospective, my be-all end-all Rondo Award winnin’ documentary on the entire history of the franchise featurin’ exclusive interviews with the cast and crew from all four movies and the cartoon series, the creators of the Killer Tomatoes are plannin’ a major comeback for B movies’ greatest threat from the produce aisle. They started a behind-the-scenes podcast of their previous Killer Tomato films through Olas Media, currently workin’ on producin’ a fifth Killer Tomatoes movie sooner than later, and aimin’ to release all new collectibles they introduced at San Diego Comicon this year. Even better, yer favorite animated horror host is workin’ with a company lookin’ to sell fans life size statues of an all too familiar character from the original toy line. TOMATOES!!!

WHAT’S YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE ASYLUM?

SS: It’s funny to realize how far they’ve come since their heyday trickin’ clueless video store customers into pickin’ their knock-off titles over the real deals with clever word play like Transmorphers and Death Racers foolin’ ‘em outta seein’ Transformers and Death Race. They musta been livin’ on the edge with copyright infringements! They did have an original flick every now and then I’d enjoy like Jolly Roger: Massacre at Cutter’s Cove and that trilogy of Scarecrow movies, but I’m one of those who became a bigger fan when the Sharknado craze hit Syfy. I’m more excited to watch a movie now when The Asylum logo pops up!

ANY BIG COLLABORATIONS HAPPENING?

SS: Ya mean the one you and I got comin’ up, don’t ya? Yessiree readers, Screaming Soup!’s next crisscross with talent will be with none other than Mojo El Diablo himself! I invited him to my favorite drinkin’ hole the Howl-Inn Grub & Spirits, where he’ll be helpin’ me judge an ear bleedin’ talent show of tone deaf wannabes lookin’ to be the next Phantom of the Opera. It’s all part of an effort to help my amigo Count Ted be all he can be as the newest king of the vampires with a scary as hell gang of monsters behind him. Keep a lookout for that episode durin’ our sixth season where we review a double feature of Phantom of the Paradise and Phantom of the Mall: Eric’s Revenge. Don’t miss it!

WHAT’S A BETTER BINGE WATCH IN SHOCTOBER (twilight zone vs tales from the crypt)?

SS: Ya can’t go wrong watchin’ top shelf productions like Tales From the Crypt or any version of the Twilight Zone, but I’d recommend shakin’ things up from the usual tried and true. Other Halloween worthy TV series worth bingin’ fer their abundance of creatures and craziness are Monsters, any of the Channel Zero seasons, Eerie, Indiana, and an original Sci-Fi Channel show called The Chronical with Rena Sofer as a news journalist of the unnatural if ya can find it!

LOCKE AND KEY (your thoughts on stephen king’s son joe hill’s creation)?

SS: Heavy and inventive stuff! Joe’s imagination’s definitely livin’ up to the family name.

ISN’T IT FUNNY THAT STEPHEN KING NAMED HIS SON JOE?

SS: Ya mean like — Joe King? Joe-King . . . JoeKing . . . joking. Huh. Clever.

MONSTER SQUAD OR GOONIES?

SS: Goonies, ‘cause they’re older than ‘em Monster Squad pip squeaks! Who wants to see a buncha bad ass monsters beaten by a liter of snot nosed rug rats. It’s too ridiculous fer me to enjoy!

WHEN YA GONNA REVIEW CALL GIRL OF CTHULHU?

SS: Soon as I kick my boots up to it playin’ on the idiot box.

YOU SEE BEETLEJUICE 2 YET?

SS: I did, and wooo-doggy! Talk ‘bout ten pounds of ideas in a five pound bag! It’s a fun time overall, but the story gets five plots deep at times with long build-ups resolved in the blink of an eye, and I think too much time is spent on real world drama compared to the first movie bein’ 95% afterlife antics thanks to the main characters dyin’ within the first few minutes. I also thought it repeated a smidge too much from the first flick with the unnecessary army of shrunken head employees bein’ my point of nostalgia overkill. Despite all that, however, Keaton brings the house down as the ghost with the most, there’s alotta great world buildin’, and it’s even a Halloween movie to boot! 3/5!

THOUGHTS ON MODERN HORROR?

SS: The nostalgia needle’s been steadily movin’ from the 1980s to the 1990s, and I really wonder how that’s gonna impact today’s horror flicks. The youth of the ‘80s wanted to continue the tradition of slash and splat they enjoyed watchin’ when they became filmmakers in the 2000s, but I don’t know what new directors and writers today are gonna wanna dredge up from the decade of grunge and dial-up internet. The horror genre was all but dead before movies like Scream and Blair Witch gave it the shot in the arm it needed, but those waves of meta storytellin’ and found footage they created never really went away, so I’ll be interestin’ in seein’ what comes full circle this time ‘round like a snake eatin’ its own tail.

ANY LAST WORDS FOR YOUR FANS?

SS: If yer a fan of horror hosts, indie superhero comics, retro video games, and Saturday mornin’ cartoons, then Screaming Soup! is the show for you! Follow me and the rest of my dysfunctional gang of parody monsters like my goat from hell Billy and ghostly girlfriend Mandy as we review horror and sci-fi B movies while on wild weird west misadventures you gotta see to disbelieve. With six seasons and countin’ available to watch, stay up to date with all our latest episodes, bite-size reviews, and appearances at ScreaminSoup.com, home of the web’s #1 animated horror host show! See ya later, Scream Freaks!

Many different layers of existence connect. Some seek, some are lost and found. My first story I bring fourth is my most current paranormal unintentional experience and it all took place at Conilyns ArtAttack Studio privately located on the Sunset Strip. This building was erected in 1923. Back then Tesses bar was all the rage! Endless possibilities where meetings of the minds came into fruition From days gone by to now energies hauntedly engage somehow. The original cocktail sign still accessorizes in the original Demure The incredible beautifully detailed lobby of Yesteryears. People making a living of enjoying life. History in motion. Apparently they still visit from time to time. Chills run up my spines as I case my new surroundings. I wander through her narrow corridors with my childish curiosity. In that little elevator questioning, will I meet my destination? The gears crank, shift and grind. Fear, I back palm wipe my brow. Occasional knocks on the door as I peer through the peephole and no physical body stands there. Three times knock, knock, knock is what I hear. I feel it as if a lost lover was near. If ever you hear a whistle in the night. Never whistle back! My ceiling light turns its self on and off, usually this awakens me. Intriguing findings Provided proof of many dreamers that climbed these stairs . Norma walking into her legendary journey sculpted into the Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe. She stayed here and often would frequent Tesses bar downstairs then make her way to What we now know and love The iconic Rainbow bar & Grill in West Hollywood . The home of the moving stars. Never a truer statement has been made by owner. Mario. I feel his presence, his wife and now their son. I am blessed to have known them all when I still didn’t know anyone yet. A Welcoming Hot-spot melting pot, for actors, Movie stars, musicians, freaks, Models, writers, Dreamers and poets galore gather with Every walk of life congregated. Still to this day When I pass by the kitchen, I am in on reminisce of Miguel. He used to call me Miss avocado, a sexy patriot and a contractor of quality control. Perhaps next episode I will tell you about the vampire lair and the falling of the broom. I comically often ponder Did Marilyn really take fountain? If you know, you know. I’ve recently had an enlightening experience as I was recording video of my rescue dog Ace proudly displaying his new Lemmystyle hat. He finally felt as special as he already was to me. I want that confidence for every creature on this planet! Unconditional love is the highest form of true Selflessness and this precious moment that I’m about to reveal to you, this moment in time proved that to be absolutely correct! Ace was a rescue doggie who only likes cats! Now he’s a hat model and center stage in the first humble feature in a new heartfelt endeavor PETSY CLINE House of Design Follow us on Instagram. We have a selection of talented Hat designers to create the pawfect rock ‘n’ rova Hats for your pawesome besties. This endeavor is aimed toward deferring some rescue everyday necessary cost to live their best life in good health So get a Custom rock ‘n’ rova hat for your lil bestie! Why? Because all Cats and dogs rule! We’re here to complete not not compete! Individuality is the pride of our purpose. Indirectly in Aces video I have captured a ghostly voice which clearly says my name. “ConStance” Others heard the voice and believe it to be the voice our dearly departed friend The One & Only LEMMY. I take this as a positive inclination to move forward. I’m confident his Voice said to get to work on it and so here I am thanking the Universe for the timeless gifts from between the veil. Unseen energies are always present. Perhaps maybe that is the real magical gift of life. There is a realistic logical answer ENERGY NEVER DIES! This voice coming through in the video could only be exactly what it is! Nothing short of amazing! Life never ends? and time waits for no one? or does it? Old Hollywood is alive and well somewhere in time and Hollywood is not what it used to be. We are all part of the story. Hollywood Land where vampires are real. So get on over to Instagram. Check out this video leave a comment. Say hi to Ace Give us a LIKE and A FOLLOW and place an order. Give us a holler @ PETSY CLINE HOUSE OF DESIGN We sincerely thank you for your patronage!!!

What a wonderful month in the city of the Angels lots of events and places to go people to see places to do starting with the Cannabis Cafe which is Miley Cyrus’s cannabis collective restaurant and bar on highland near fountain. I had their cannabis infused expresso martini and can I just tell you it’s been a long time since I felt that flabbergasted over a cocktail. They have great merch great food great weed and you can have the best tacos or chicken dishes and you infuse them yourselves with this tiny vial of joy that comes with your dinner. They’ve just begun having entertainment starting with Toledo and his dancers kind of almost a burlesque show with some really jaw-dropping musical styling from the man himself. The restaurant used to be Lorelei where I used to throw parties a German restaurant my favorite dish there was the roasted brussel sprouts but I digress I’m looking forward to having dinner there and seeing the show tonight and I think every Thursday they’re going to have an event I went to the escondid last night to see the blue Shadows they used to be the house band at the cafe de Grande back in 1982 Javier is the lead singer and Bill Bateman former drummer of The blasters is the drummer of choice with Chris Helmsley on guitar and basically everybody in the band has been in the blue Shadows at one time or another over the last 40 years. The band sounded incredible with their early Blues stylings sometimes Javier reminds me of my grandfather who was about this minister they’ve got some special surprises coming up in the film world as well I’m not in Liberty to talk about but great things are going to happen for the blue Shadows or rather are happening for them and I’m happy to have gotten to see them mature over the last 40 years. September 21st through the 28th on the corner of Beverly hills and sunset boulevard on the strip at the Jaguar dealership there is a pop art show starring some of LA’s finest it’s right down the street from the Roxy in a jewelry box of an art gallery there will be films books signings and musical events during that one specific week in September so be there or be square. Looking forward to the big party at the rainbow this year always a good time I love to get my drinks from Maria at the back bar her and Lily were such good friends it’s now called the Lemmy’s lounge and that’s where you’ll find me lurking with my pals well let me the statue which actually contains some of his ashes will be smoking God knows what in his little metal case in the back. It looks like the Rammstein has broken up just when till was coming to LA on his solo tour and then he canceled that one as well I hope he gets well soon it’s been a hard time for them their guitar player quit and they’re organist got in a major accident I hope they clear up the allegations against them whatever they may be it would be sad to think they are the upstanding young men I thought they were… Of course they just remind me of David Lee Roth back in the day choosing girls at the zero to be his companion for the evening well anyway that’s what I read let’s just say allegedly personally I think David was so much fun it would be cool to hang out with him but you know these days in the me too you too them too we too tutu movements the girls and the boys don’t take responsibility for themselves knowing they should not trust strangers and what we all learned about stranger danger even if they are rock stars I mean hasn’t anyone seen theotley Crue movie?

Let’s talk about gothtober yes Virginia there is a gothtober and it will be held at the Crooked path in North Hollywood every weekend and Halloween so put on your best Gothic outfit and attend the parties at witchiest shop in the West.

How about those new Sex Pistols well it’s the real Sex Pistols without John lyden and with the guy named Frank Carter singing but it’s nice to hear the old tunes being belted by a real belter the boy is covered in tattoos and delivers the songs like a real nardcore hero. Mr lyden doesn’t mind he has public image limited and I’m pretty sure they’re going to start playing live soon so keep your ears open as things change and rearrange and bands like Oasis come back together.

Watch tequila TV West Hollywood public Access Thursday nights at 7:30 p.m. and watch me do my best Huell Howser impression on the LA artist music scene it only takes a minute to tune in.

The Buzzz… Las Vegas Casino resort review.

The Rio

There was hype beyond what was normal for a casino, for the “New” Rio Casino resort located a mile off the famous strip. The flashy advertisements bragged about total refurbishments, loose slots and a new management team guaranteed to make your stay memorable. The wife and I bought into the hype like moths to a flame.

Our entrance was more of a Circus/Circus type atmosphere than an elegant one because the food court greeted us with hotdogs and pizza. After a long walk, which is standard for casinos, we made our way through the slot machines to registration. The four o’clock check-in and the ten o’clock checkout, which shortens our stay by six hours, is basically the reason to book a two-day stay. Just another way a casino will “nickel and dime,” their customers. 

As we soon found out, the Rio has two towers and only one had been refurbished. Not our room. The carpet had stains and the bathroom vent looked like it had been there since the Bush administration, the older one! You can typically tell the modernization of the casino hotel room by their technology. The push button phone and the tv was from the last millennium. A room that hasn’t been refurbished since the invention of the cell phone. 

The heavy curtains used to block out the sun was inadequate and the flat screen tv looked like an ad on. From inside the shower a small glass window was blocked off, as if they were too cheap to either take it out, or do the drywall so you can see through it as was originally intended. The AC was adequate but considering the 100 degree weather conditions outside, it did its thing. By 4 Am it was cold in the room that overlooked the massive pool. 

Overall it was a fun experience with the usual “sex, drugs and rock and roll” two day stay with the smokin’ gamblin’ dancin’ and eating that comprises a Las Vegas stay. Off the strip means just that. Without an uber you’re basically stuck at the resort. The Palms was close, but considering the heat, it wasn’t worth the trip. 

The Rio? I’d give it only 3 out of ten. The bait and switch tactics worked on us, but now were more savvy than ever before. New management? Maybe, but we couldn’t tell. Refurbished? Maybe, but not in tower we stayed in. The oldest and worst casino hotel on the strip? By most accounts, Circus/Circus which was featured in the James Bond movie Diamonds are Forever, way back in the 70s! The Rio is basically Circus/Circus with a paint job and a hyped-up advertising campaign. 

The best rule when considering a Casino/Hotel in Las Vegas? When it was built. The Rio was built in the 70’s and still looks like it. Without a fantastic deal, $29 a room, which when adding in the deceptive resort fee and taxes comes out to $100 a night, try a newer hotel. 

Brent Lee Kendell, JD, CPA

 brentleekdendelljdcpa