Everclear 20 Years – Still Sparkling Never Fading

This post might not be directly about a piece of my art work but it’s something I want to share because like art, music has gotten me through life’s hurdles. I might not create music but I appreciate the ones that do.  And as you know part of my experience as an artist has also been being a promotional and merch band guru…. so for me music and art go hand in hand. So with that… lets talk about the incredible night we had on Friday!

I can go on and on here and tell you how Everclear’s music has affected me since I was in junior high. How seeing them for the first time in 1995 was one of the best shows I had seen when I was younger. How I use to have stacks of Spin and other rock magazines that either had Art Alexakis on the cover or just had a little interview article inside . How even at the age of 36 I still rock out to their albums like I am in my high school bedroom. But being able to tell the band that myself was the ultimate for me!

We went to the Sparkle and Fade 20th Anniversary Show at H.O.M.E Bar and it was incredible. They played the ENTIRE album and then some. I am surprise I had a voice the next day as I was screaming along word for word. When I told my friend Trisha (who has known me since high school) about the show she told me she could imagine it cause every time she hears Everclear she still always thinks of me.

This is a photo Frank took of me from our booth. I am literally standing on the platform over the crowd ha ha. Not about to miss a second of it.

Needless to say I was in my glory like I was the first time I saw them back in 1995 and it was even cooler to be able to tell them that. They decided to hang out at their merch table after the show to say hi to fans. I had already gotten a shirt earlier before the show started (made sure to get the one with all the tour dates on the back so it was nostalgic 90’s “I rock this shirt proudly because I was at the show” ha ha. Remember those days?) but was not going to miss the chance to at least say hi to them. And on a splurge I totally bought the Sparkle and Fade record despite already owning the CD. I really wanted to have something for them to sign and since this was so unexpected I was not my normal prepared self. They also don’t do ticket stubs the way they use to back in the day and I wanted to be able to wear my shirt so no go for signatures there. So I thought this is something I have dreamt of since I was younger and despite the mark up on the album I told myself “buy it or you will regret it”. So I did. I also knew it would be a great way to remember the unforgettable time I got to hear this entire album live.

As cool as the signatures are to have as memorabilia nothing will compare to the photo my friend Ellie captured or me with Art!!!!!!!!

If only I could go back in time to tell my younger self “be patient” that this would happen to me in my 30’s. Even so I don’t think I would’ve believed myself. I know sometimes we get star struck but this actually meant so much to me to be able to tell the band how much their music has gotten me through some of the toughest and greatest times of my youth. They also really loved my Jane Lane shirt ha ha.

Me and my handsome husband at the show

Stay Spooky!
LDG Nicole

Team Helena Bonham Carter

I am posting this picture because one, if I had seen it before this whole Anne Hathaway Instagram situation I probably would’ve posted it anyways.

I get why Anne took it down. She doesn’t want drama and she probably doesn’t want poor press. However I think she was right for originally posting it and here is why….

In this day and age girls have terrible role models. Should girls be idolizing those they see on TV and movies all the time … no but it happens. We all do it. It’s a matter of making sure your children are looking up to the right ones.

I don’t have children but I would much rather see my nieces, cousins and goddaughter looking up to someone like Helena Bonham Carter. She is beautiful, amazingly talented and earned her way. She didn’t do it with sex tapes and being famous by association. She doesn’t sell herself out or flaunt herself for fame or attention. She also seems like if you met her she would be amazing to hang out with. She isn’t a cookie cutter person and I admire that most about her. I often think of how cool it would be to sit down with her and Tim Burton and pick their intelligent brains. I wouldn’t even want to be in the same room of stupidity with Kim and Kanye. Which just goes to show what people bring to society.

The Kardashians are a prime example of what is being taught wrong to this generation growing up. Everyone wins, everyone gets a trophy, and it doesn’t really matter how hard you try. And if that doesn’t work post a half naked shot of your “ass”ets and all will be ok again. What is that teaching our youth about success? Not to mention degrading woman by posting naked photos and “leaking” sex tapes to draw attention to ourselves. Yes we should be proud of our bodies. I get that. But why should you have to flaunt your body to be someone? Why can’t you just work hard and be a beautiful person? Earn your way!

So with that you can call me #teamhelenabonhamcarter and I am right there with you Anne! I know you felt you had to take it down but deep down I understand why you posted it to begin with! Thank you for drawing attention to the awesome photo I didn’t know existed! I think it’s bad ass and I completely support it!

Stay Spooky!
LDG Nicole