Takin' it easy with the Eagles at the Hollywood Bowl

You know it's going to be a good concert when Glenn Frey starts it off with “We are the ancient ones. And this is the Eagles’ assisted-living tour.”Yes! Ladies and Gentleman! It's the Eagles at the Hollywood Bowl! And Yes! Almost everyone in this venue is twice my age!

The Bowl is my favorite place to see shows. The outdoor seating with the hills all around to capture the sound of the band. It always makes for an awesome musical experience. Especially when you get to sit in the Garden section. There in a cozy little box for four you will be closer than most.

I acquired wonderful box seat tickets in exchange for happily doing a favour for a friend, which is an entirely different story never to be told here.

Of course, I invited the one person who would truly appreciate this experience: My dad. The lover of all things rock' n' roll. I have fond memories of driving across the country to visit our family in Missouri, Dad blasting "Take It Easy"into my eager six-year-old ears. Or driving through the deserts of Arizona eating beef jerky in our blue minivan and hearing the lyrics, "City girls just seem to find out early, how to open doors with just a smile." These were lyrics that would not only shape my taste in music, convince me that the Eagles are the hottest road-trippin' band ever, but somehow, subconsciously, influence the way I carried myself later in life.

The concert started off a bit slow with the band playing four songs from their newest album "Long Road out of Eden", but the instant "Hotel California" strummed its way into the cavernous Bowl, it was time to Rock n' Roll!

I admire these guys. They formed the band in 1971 and are still playing together. Okay, they may have taken a 14-year break, but they've given us their "Witchy Woman" and their "Dirty Laundry." They've had their "Life in the Fastlane." Ok! I'm done...

(My Dad and I)

Toward the end of the show, a friend of mine snuck Dad and me into his box, which gave us a closer view of the band, a big thrill for both of us. A much bigger thrill for Dad! It was also a welcomed excuse to get away from the people in our box. This couple sitting in our box owned some clothing-optional tropical resorts and couldn't wait to tell us all about them. Way to make it awkward, guys! I'm sitting next to my dad and, no, I don't want to hear about your topless Cancun package for only $700!

Joe Walsh looked awesome in his shiny satin jacket! Has he gone "Hollywood"? Or is he just the original badass he's always been?

Timothy B. Schmit, who has not aged since 1971, sang "I Can't Tell You Why" with a slow steady confidence.

Don Henley's voice was amazing and sounded just like it does on the records. And not to disappoint the throngs, he closed out the perfect night with a beautifully sung "Desperado."

Now this may be a rumour, but some say this might have been the last time the Eagles would play the Hollywood Bowl. I'm always one to be a part of history, but I am secretly hoping this rumour is untrue...

(The Eagles take their last bow)

Helpful Tips For Attending The Hollywood Bowl

• Parking is available at the Bowl, but if you don’t feel like getting caught in the rat race at the end of the concert you can use one of these options: Park in one of the two lots on Franklin and Highland. From there you just walk north to the Bowl. The lots will charge from $15-20.

Another option is to take a shuttle, all the info is at http://www.hollywoodbowl.com/visit/lease-events-getting.cfm

• The Bowl concerts are rain or shine. Come prepared for whatever the weather may be.
• You can bring a picnic! And you can also bring alcohol! Just no glass allowed.

The Lake Show

(Photo by VT)

I've been a fan of the Lakers since, well, since my father told me that's who I had to be a faof. I don't think there was much choice. Sundays during basketball season at Dad's house (every other weekend) consisted of learning how to bar-b-que chicken and watching tall, sweaty, men dressed in barely there short shorts and long socks, dribble a ball around and shoot it in the hoop. I loved every second of it: The rush when our team would score; The medley while going to a commercial break, the anxiety I felt of not knowing who was going to win! These were the days of Magic Johnson, Byron Scott, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and many other greats.

Now In my adult life I'm fortunate to attend these games every once in a while. Live in the stands, how it should be. The smell of McDonalds, 6 dollar hotdogs, and twelve dollar beer wafting around.

This Sunday my good friend Rachel and I attended the first game of the playoffs. The Lakers vs. The Thunder. Lets just say our inner cheerleaders came out in full force. And There's something to be said for Dad's free chicken legs after spending $14 on gluten free beer (YES! IT EXISTS!).

Thanks to Brown's amazing defense, Kobes obvious talent, and Paul Gasols knack for getting the ball in the hoop, we won!

Final score 87-79!

I want a Gluten-Free Beer. It's called Redbridge!

Rachel and I

Helpful Tips For Attending the Staples Center

• Always try to arrive at least 20 minutes early. Allow time to walk from the car, stand in line, and of course get some treats before the game starts!
• Parking is easy to come by, depending on how much you want to spend. Most lots range from $15-40. The farther away the parking lot is the cheaper it should be! My favorite place is on Los Angeles and 4^th. It’s $15 and your car is watched the entire time.
• There is plenty of places to eat before hand or after the game including: Trader Vics, The Farm, Wolfgang Pucks, The Yardhouse, Tosa Mexicano, and many more.
• Also if you want to make a full day of it there’s the Grammy Museum and Lucky Strike Lanes to entertain the whole family.
• The Staples Center is located at 1111 S Figueroa St
  Los Angeles, CA 90015