Three Blue Men

Good grief, two posts in two days. What is the world coming to? Saw these guys for the third time. First time was in Vegas almost ten years ago. Second time was at the Wiltern Theatre maybe four years ago. Tonight, at the Universal Amphitheatre... a fine venue.

Was curious how the show had evolved over all this time, and had forgotten how interactive it was. The usual flashing messages entertained those of us who arrived early. Text the word blue, to 30364, for a chance to go backstage, and also to be added to Blue Man Group's mailing list. I did that, only to receive two messages back, saying the whole process would involve as many as five text messages, and if you wanted to stop, just text them the word 'stop.'

Right on time, the opening act, whose name I cannot recall. Entertaining dude, who scratched to some pretty wild videos, videos which had been um, altered, to feature repetitive movement. After 20 minutes, he was done. We were then treated to a special video from the guys who specialize in Mentos and Diet Coke cascades. Amazing stuff. I wondered if I was seeing two guys who will be touring someday, based on Diet Coke and Mentos? Totally appropriate, seeing their work on stage with Blue Man Group. Their website is: http://www.eepybird.com

Finally, the main attraction, "How To Be A Mega Star 2.0." The audience went pretty crazy. We soon learned we were in for a series of lessons, teaching us how to be a Mega Star etc., but first, the Blue Men had to purchase the manual. They did not seem to have a credit card, thus the first foray into the audience, complete with a camera. Some guy in the front row wound up on stage, peeling out his AmEx, and presto... after a $1000 charge, the order was complete, with immediate shipping. Not five seconds later, a UPS man arrives with the requisite box. Said box contained a manual, and several items which might prove useful in the quest for rock-star greatness: make-up, and cod piece are the ones I remember.

Plenty of loud rock'n roll, driving beats, pipe instruments. I was seated fairly close to the stage, so was pleased to see some of the best parts of the show were still included: female singer in flashing rainbow dress doing "I Feel Love." The Blue Men, dancing around in total darkness, with seeming neon stripping on their black suits.

Really got into some of the background video work, a recurring theme being people who walk around with masks on, no matter how many times they remove the top mask. There were times when a Blue Man had actually humanized some of his pipe instruments. These guys are very expressive with just their facial movements.

Finale, a rousing rendition of Teenage Wasteland, complete with many many thousands of white streamers shot from the stage. I had a perfect view of the little cannons, so knew something was coming. Although the requisite mess was made, I wish they could still be using the hundred foot long twelve inch wide sheet material. Ten years ago in Vegas, they papered the entire room at the Luxor. Tonight was much smaller scale. Another reduced scene was the "pancho" area. I only saw a few people in the first row wearing plastic panchos. It used to be ten rows. I guess they've cut down on the mess quotient. I sort of miss that. I remember paint going all over the place at the Luxor show.

All in all, a very entertaining evening. Blue Man Group continues to evolve.

My Aunt

This morning, my phone rang before 9 AM. It's Sunday, I knew the call was not work related. I also had a hunch the call could not be about anything good, so I did not pick up. I was still in bed. I contemplated what the call could be, figuring if it was important, they would leave a message.

It turned out to be very important. It was my cousin, explaining that my aunt had passed away Saturday morning. It took a couple of hours for me to gather myself to call her back.

The number of friends I have in this world keeps getting smaller. Need to do something about that. My aunt was one of the best. About five years ago, I was sitting in the airport, waiting to get a flight to San Jose... business trip. On a lark, I called her, wondering if we might get together. Prior to that call, I don't guess we had communicated since my mother (her sister) died, in 1986, No real reason for the lapse. Just life moving too fast. My aunt was very happy to hear from me. She came and picked me up at my hotel in Santa Clara, drove me back to her house and I spent the evening with her and my uncle. What a lovely evening.

That was the last time I saw my uncle. He had been in failing health and passed away the following year, I believe. He was in his 80s and had lived a long life. My aunt continued on, kept living in their wonderful house for another couple of years, I think. I kept in touch with her. In 2004, we got together again for dinner. My aunt drove to my hotel and we ate there. She told me that she couldn't tolerate life if she couldn't keep driving. I can understand that.

In 2005, I made a special trip north to see her. She had just moved into a "retirement" community, which meant downsizing out of the house, and basically starting a new existance. Kind of scary to have to do that when you are in your 80's... but she onward she went. I admired her. I spent the night in a guest room in her building. She was so happy to reserve the room and have me stay on the premises.

Later that year, I was on another business trip, staying in Berkeley and only had the one evening, so rented a car and drove 60 miles in rush hour to see her. We had another great dinner.

Three months ago, in November 2006, I saw her for what turned out to be the last time. I always made a point to visit her when I was up north, and I'm glad I did. She was in her mid-80s, and it was sort of understood she wasn't going to be around forever. She was in great health, and lived a long and glorious life. I guess we had one more phone conversation, maybe a month ago.

I'm just so sad she is gone. She had become my biggest fan. It's a difficult world out there, and it was so nice to always have someone in my corner. She was my mother's sister, and being around her brought back so many memories of my mother as well. I am happy she did not have to experience a long drawn out illness. Everyone in our family seems to get cancer sooner or later... not my aunt. Good for that.

Rest well, sweet princess. I hope to see you again.