Weekend Event Pick: Unforgettable Fire Returns

As I’ve mentioned before, one of my favorite live music venues is NYC’s Canal Room in Soho. And one of the best cover bands I’ve ever seen there, Unforgettable Fire, is making another appearance on Saturday, May 9th.

Unforgettable Fire (UF) is one of the longest-running U2 cover bands

I had the pleasure of seeing the U2 tribute band last fall. Like the rest of the standing room only crowd, I got swept up by UF’s electrifying performance – and lead singer Tony Russo’s uncanny resemblance to Bono.

UF knows how to put on a slickly produced show, with video montages and a frenetic mix of both classic and current U2 hits. I can’t think of a better warm up for U2’s upcoming 360 tour – which I’ll be seeing twice at Giants Stadium in September!

Tickets to this Saturday’s UF show are $18 in advance ($20 at the door) and UF will be performing with Grammy-nominated Reggae singer Pato Banton. For more info, visit http://www.canalroom.com/.

Girls Night Out In SoHo

Last Saturday, my friend Bobbi and I headed down to SoHo for night of eating out and live music.

Our evening began at Petrarca, an Italian bistro and wine bar right across from the Tribeca Grand Hotel. A surly hostess notwithstanding, I enjoyed the restaurant and its inviting atmosphere (high ceilings and shelves with wine bottles lining the walls).

Petrarca: Delightful Italian fare in SoHo with an extensive wine menu

As I enjoyed a delicious plate of fettucine bolognese, Bobbi and I talked about the romantic possibilities of ski weekend getaways, the question of whether size really matters (um…yes) and the joint celebration plan for our 35th birthdays next month.

Then, we were off to one of my favorite nightspots, the Canal Room, to enjoy the sounds of two great cover bands. We caught the tail end of Almost Queen, and their energetic takes on “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Somebody to Love” and, of course, “We Will Rock You.”

I was most excited for the headlining act, Unforgettable Fire. The longest running U2 tribute band (born 14 years ago), UF recreates with gusto U2’s distinctive sound.

Unforgettable Fire: Powerhouse vocals and musicianship, and the ultimate U2 tribute experience

Led by vocalist and Bono doppelganger Tony Russo, UF blazed through some of U2’s best -- from classics including “America” and “Helter Skelter” to more recent hits like “Beautiful Day” and “Elevation.” Bassist Craig (Adam) Kiell, drummer George (Larry) Levesanos and guitarist Mick (Edge) Normoyle complete the powerhouse band.

I’ve never had the pleasure of seeing U2 live. A guy standing beside me who’s seen both U2 and Unforgettable Fire said UF is the closest you can get to an actual live U2 show. I’m even more excited now about seeing Bono perform -- and about catching UF again next time they’re in town.

Opening The Vault: Part Twenty

As you leave your teenage years behind, one of the things you learn is that growing up means making decisions for yourself. Along the way, you also discover that parental disapproval isn’t necessarily reason enough to make a different choice. I was twenty years old when a long distance love led me to this epiphany.

It was the summer of 1994 and I was eagerly anticipating my first visit to California to see Los Angeles-based beau Mark (a.k.a Sparky). Because my parents were (very) traditionally minded, I intended to let them think I would be sharing a hotel room with a college friend who happened to be visiting L.A. too. But the day before my departure, I decided to come clean.

I now Open The Vault and take you back to the summer of 1994...

New York, NY
August 25th, 1994

I woke up yesterday with a very difficult task in front of me -- telling mom the truth about where I’m staying in California.

After all of these weeks of planning to have Li-Shean cover for me, I finally decided that lying would only jeopardize the trust between my parents and me. And no man is worth that.

Trust Your Instincts: That’s the advice that my college roommate and friend Li-Shean gave me about where to stay during my California trip

So, taking a very deep breath, I ambled bleary-eyed into Mom and Dad’s room, where I found Mom and proceeded to tell her exactly what I’d rehearsed about a dozen times the night before -- that given the already-limited amount of time Sparky and I will have together (re: his work), it made more sense for me to stay with him and skip the expense of a hotel room.

Mom’s expression immediately changed.

“I don’t think it’s proper or appropriate,” she said. “You’re not married to him.”

She told me the choice was mine, but pointedly added that she would have to tell Dad if I ended up at Sparky’s. I pleaded with her not to.

After calling my sister-in-law for some advice, I returned to Mom and said that I would stay at a hotel. I also told her flat out that Sparky and I were going to be traveling up the coast (i.e. sharing a hotel room), making it clear that it was not open for discussion.

* * *

After running around to do some last-minute errands, I called Li-Shean. She told me that I needed to do what was right for my relationship with Sparky and for myself.

With some anxiety but a sense of determination, I went into Mom’s office and told her the torment I’d gone through in making my final choice -- to stay with Sparky.

Mom maintained that she feels it’s improper, but acknowledged--

“You’re a woman now and you need to make your own decisions.”

Mom also said we’re bound to disagree and that I shouldn’t beat myself up over it.

I felt a sudden sense of relief come over me knowing that Mom didn’t think less of me and that -- hoorah!! -- she wasn’t going to tell Dad I’m staying with Sparky.

* * *

My accommodations quandary wasn’t the last Sparky-related impasse for me with my Mom and Dad. Sparky would become a great test of the shifting boundaries between me and my parents, as I struggled to balance my relationship with them with a growing need to stand on my own.

Coming up…celebrating the holidays with good friends and a long-awaited U2 tribute band concert.

Opening The Vault: Part Nine

When you’re falling in love, even the most crowded destinations suddenly feel like they belong to only you and the object of your affections. I experienced this curious phenomenon for the first time 14 years ago, during my week in London with California native Mark (a.k.a Sparky).

England’s capital, with all of its majesty and magic, provided the perfect setting for Sparky and me to continue getting to know one another. Having met just one month before, we still had plenty to learn about each other. I now Open The Vault and take you back to the spring of ‘94...

April 28, 1994
London, England

Dear Diary,

With maps and cameras in hand, Sparky and I headed to Regent’s Park, where the conversation eventually turned to sex.

I felt uncomfortable discussing sex with Sparky. I reiterated the fact that, given the 3,000 miles separating us, I can’t guarantee we’ll be together long enough for me to feel ready to lose my virginity with him.

Sparky said all the right things, professing once again his desire to have a future with me. Cynical little me, however, wasn’t convinced his romantic declarations weren’t at least partly a ploy to get me into bed.

Later, while we were waiting for the tube at Embankment Station, Sparky pulled me toward him as he murmured--

“I just want more and more of you.”

Noticing that I didn’t melt on cue, Sparky clarified he wasn’t referring to “that,” i.e., sex.

“Mmhm,” I said coolly. Still, despite my reservations, I couldn’t deny it -- he was getting to me.

* * *

After touring the Tower of London and viewing the Crown Jewels, Sparky and I headed over to the Tower Thistle Hotel for a late lunch.

The majestic view from London's Tower Thistle Hotel

We had a table by the window, which afforded a perfect view of the Thames and Tower Bridge. As the sun disappeared and the sky turned to gray, Sparky began opening up about his past, including his bouts with cancer.

For some reason, a warning bell went off inside me and I asked Sparky if he was okay. He paused before admitting that, only five days ago, he had a tumor removed from his colon.

I was shocked and scared. I reminded Sparky I’m all too familiar with the disease -- my parents, my aunt and uncle have all battled it.

“The cancer is part of the reason I want to hold on to you and enjoy whatever time we have together,” he said.

It took me a little while to get my bearings after Sparky's revelation. Still, I wanted -- and needed -- him to tell me more about his condition and what he was facing. He hesitated.

“You’re young, the last thing you need is some old man with all these problems.”

“Oh Sparky, please. You are far from old and you are ten times more of a man than anyone I’ve ever dated.”

Taking an almost childlike delight in my reassuring words, Sparky put his arms around me and gave me a big kiss.

* * *

Our week in London had its fair share of intense moments -- moments that Sparky and I would cling to as our relationship progressed and geography and our 16-year age difference became formidable foes.

Coming up…a tribute to U2 in SoHo and a 40th anniversary celebration.