As much as I hate to admit it, there’s a teensy little piece of me that falls into the “sucker for a guy with a guitar” category. Except in my case it’s extended to any variety of musical instruments, minus the kazoo and possibly the rain stick (no offense to anyone who rocks either of the above). So there’s a teensy little piece of me that gets giddy when Scott starts going at it on the drums. And when it’s in a club, with the shiny lights and the eardrum-popping grooves it’s all I can do from screaming girly nonsense and swooning in the first row. But I managed to contain myself last Wednesday when his band Potential Difference took on the Knitting Factory. They rocked a 35 minute set, complete with covers of Peter Bjorn and John’s “Young Folks” and the oldie favorite “This Magic Moment.” An excited crowd of friends and family showed up and I could tell the band members were really feeling the good energy. And me? I was just concentrating on not dropping my camera right there and shamelessly throwing articles of clothing onto the stage ;)

Before they went on, we grabbed a few shots in the back setup area, which was all grungy and awesome:

Don’t ask because I haven’t a clue.

It was my 3rd time boarding a plane from LAX that month. This time, unlike the previous two (the first for Portland and the second for an awesome wedding I will be blogging soon!), I had my passport in hand, some big sticks in my suitcase, and an extra bottle of water or two. And instead of going north, this time the plane went south… to Mexico! TAIKOPROJECT was invited to perform at the Festival Internacional in Chihuahua, a festival that spans 4 weeks and includes artists from different countries around the world. We did one show in Chihuahua city and another in Juarez and both were absolutely amazing experiences – I can’t remember the last time, if ever, I got to perform in front of such an excited and energetic audience.

Off the plane we go…





A bit of the stage (how gnarly are those lights – totally reminded me of some kind of nausea-inducing carnival ride):




Above photo taken by Bruno




By Bruno

The super awesome crowd! It was great getting to interact with them post-show (shots by Bruno) –







Some fun in the plaza:





And a group pic! Including Chiyo, our sweeter than sweet guide:



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And now to exercise my girlfriend-y duties for the day, here is an official notice that Scott’s band, Potential Difference, will be playing at the Knitting Factory next week! It’s their first gig in awhile and let me tell you, I’ve been listening to them practice every week (while I sit downstairs furiously editing photos) and it’s going to be a killer set. Shoot me an email if you’re interested and I’ll hook you up with some sizzling hot tickets!!

I just have to keep reminding myself that in a few short weeks, it will get very very cold there and I would end up being very very miserable. Because if I don’t keep doing that, I will just be forced to pack up all my things and drive all the way up the coast to Portland, so I can once again frolick in The Coolest City in the World. Because I loved every little thing about it – the cute cafes, the trinket-infused shops, the hipsters on their single-speed bikes, the pots of flowers hanging from the street lamps, the fountains around every corner, the wide open river, the green green trees to match the green green environmentally-happy attitude. But I just have to remember that eventually it will get cold and gray, and remind myself how cold and gray and me have never gotten along and are prone to nasty cat fights. And even cuddling up with a perfect cup of coffee from Stumptown and a perfect book from Powell’s would not be enough to console me. Or would it…?

We stayed at the amazing Hotel Lucia – a hip, modern yet classy boutique hotel with some of the best service ever. We felt sufficiently spoiled!!

And Portland, don’t you get too used to me not being there eating all your food and buying all your cute irresistable  paraphernalia – I’ll be back before you know it!!