Dave Koz CD Release Party

October 14, 2010

B scored wrist bands to a new CD release party.  It was in our backyard at the Rancho Bernardo Inn.

Veranda Fireside Lounge and Restaurant

More Info We're bringing Dave Koz to the Rancho Bernardo Inn for the CD Release Party of his newest album, "Hello Tomorrow." Dave Koz will be performing a live mini-set and Kelly Cole will be on-hand hosting a Q and A session.

We learned from the last one and got there earlier so we could get seats.  B had some tacos and I waited until after to eat.

Dave Koz is a saxophonist.  He usually plays soprano or alto saxophones, but sometimes plays tenor.  The music was great and it is a tremendous setting looking out over the golf course.  He played several new songs and explained the insiration for them.  It was a nice mellow evening.

USC vs Washington

October 2 and 3, 2010

We got going in the morning to drive to Connie and Russ's house.  We stay at what my sister calls, the B and B.  The accomodations are great and the breakfasts the next morning are fantastic.  We got there without incident (110 miles) and ate lunch.  Pizza from a local place.  It was really good.  We picked up sandwiches at Panera for our dinner at the game.  We then drove to USC.  Ran into some traffic as we were approaching downtown, but Russ knows all the shortcuts.  We spent some time on campus looking at the new student union and bookstore.

USC was 4-0 heading into this game.  There was a subplot to this game.  Steve Sarkisian and Lane Kiffin both were at USC during the Pete Carroll reign.  Kiffin moved first to the Oakland Raiders, then to the University of Tennessee before coming back to USC.  Sarkisian left USC to be the head coach at University of Washington.  During the week both played down any rilalry between them on the local radio shows.  Washington beat USC last year in Seatlle and that started the downward spiral for Pete Carroll in his last year.  After 7 consecutive BCS bowls, 7 Pac 10 Tiltles and no losses in November for 21 straight games the wheels came off the bus.  Pete then left for the NFL.

The game started okay.  USC jumped out to a 7-0 lead.  Then fell behind 17-7.  At halftime usc clinged to a 21-20 lead.  Washington seemed able to move the ball and our defense could not get the big stop when it needed one.  We were ahead 31-29 but we missed a 40 yard field goal.  It seems Pete forgot to leave us a defense and a kicker.  Washington got the ball and drove down the field, converting a 4th down and 11.  With no time on the clock they kicked a field goal to win 32-31.  Disappointing!

We drove back to the house.  We chatted, watched the recorded lingerie football game and had Manhattans.  Off to bed. 

Got up the next morning and Connie made a fabulous breakfast. Always a starter like yogurt with granola or a smoothie.  Today we had French Toast.

Drove back to San Diego, a great weekend that could have been better with a win.

Carrie Underwood

October 1, 2010

And now, he's wrapped around her finger
She's the center of his whole world
And his heart belongs to that sweet, little, beautiful, wonderful, perfect
All-American girl
                         Carrie Underwood

I met B in Mission Valley and we headed to the Sports Arena in San Diego.  Parking there is ridiculious, they charge too much and the parking lot needs to be resurfaced.  We park in a neighborhood and walk there.  Takes about 10 minutes or so.  As we got closer we noticed the stop lights were not working.  The electricity in this area was out.  We were going to eat dinner before the show.  Lucky for us the electricity came back on within 5 minutes.  We got in line at Chili's.  They had emptied the restaurant when the lights went out.  Now that they were back on, they were firing up the grills.  We got seated fairly quickly and ordered the 2 for $20.  Chili's is basically in the Sports Arena parking lot so we walked on over after dinner.

There was an opening act- Sons of Sylvia.

Ashley Clark – lead vocals, acoustic guitar, fiddle
Austin Clark – dobro, lap steel, vocals
Adam Clark – mandolin, acoustic guitar, vocals

All sons of Sylvia, their mother.  They are kinda a country/pop crossover group.


oooh
what you waiting for
One More step and you're out that door
Oh what you waiting for
All we've got is love left to lose
                        Sons of Sylvia

Next up was Billy Currington.


God is great, beer is good, and people are crazy
                                             Billy Currington

The boy has seriously curly hair and how does he maintain a 3 day beard all the time.  He was good and I didn't realize all the songs I knew.
I Got a Feelin', Must be Doin' Something Right, Good Directions, People are Crazy, That's How Country Boys Roll and can't forget this one

I ain't much, On mowin' thick grass.
I'm too slow, For workin' too fast.
I don't do windows, So honey don't ask.
But I'm pretty good at drinkin' beer.

Carrie was up next and it was quite a show.  Stage moving up and down, swing, change of wardrobes (many times), hologram duet with Randy Travis and a truck that was suspended from the roof and went out in the audience while she sang.

She also played guitar and piano and put forth a great effort.  It is interesting to know that she is writing songs too.

He’s a good time cowboy casanova
Leaning up against the record machine
Looks like a cool drink of water
But he’s candy-coated misery
He’s the devil in disguise
A snake with blue eyes
And he only comes out at night
Gives you feelings that you don’t want to fight
You better run for your life
                     Carrie Underwood






It was a good concert and B was happy to see another A. I.  Me sometimes I just go along for the ride, but this one was worth it.